07/15/2021
I first met PFC. Cunningham on June 10, 2021 when he came to my office asking for help. There is a strikingly remarkable difference between the man he is reduced to today and the man that joined the military 4 year ago. At first glance one would assume him to be just another crack head who ruined his life on meth. At 90 lbs. he certainly looks the part. That assumption is grossly inaccurate and completely wrong. He is an American soldier who completed Basic Training assigned, to a Reserve Unit who participated in relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey and has earned awards and decorations for his service and accomplishments. Presently, as a member of the Armed Forces he is not eligible for VA benefits, SSDI, or other government assistance programs. In his present condition he is not a likely candidate for gainful employment that could offer insurance benefits. It is my firm belief that CJ Cunningham will, given the chance, will fully recover from this tragedy and become a productive member of our society and an inspiration to others. Having known him only a short time, I see CJ as an “overcomer.” One who will one day have a testimony that will make the difference to his fellow man in more ways than I can publicly share.
In light of questions regarding the circumstances surrounding CJ Cunningham’s Dental needs here are the facts:
1. I have spoken numerous times with Private First Class Cunningham’s Army Reserve unit to include his Company Commander, 1st Sgt., Tri-Care representatives, and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
2. PFC. Cunningham is currently enlisted in the Army Reserves.
3. PFC. Cunningham completed basic training but, he has not completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) the second half of Basic Training.
4. PFC. Cunningham developed cancer in the tongue between Basic & AIT, went through extensive surgery to remove and replace the left half of his entire tongue with muscle taken from his thigh. He was also treated with chemo and radiation that completely destroyed his top and bottom teeth entirely.
5. PFC. Cunningham is not physically able to continue training. The Army will not allow him to continue, nor will his Army Reserve Unit allow him to participate in drills.
6. Because he has not fully completed training he is not eligible for Tri-Care. Tri-Care is the agency that handles medical & dental insurance for military.
7. A congressional inquiry has been requested through Louis Gohmert’s office in hope of speeding up a much delayed, often requested, release from the military.
8. After surgery PFC. Cunningham sought dental treatment with an oral surgeon through his unit, the request for authorization was denied. Not having completed Basic Training in its entirety he is not eligible.
9. PFC. Cunningham is a soldier in the Army Reserves who is in need of our help. He is a 22 year old young man who because of these circumstances slipped through the cracks. He has come home to heal and recover. His dental needs are extreme and are very expensive requiring many extractions, implants, impressions, etc., that will be done over the course of many trips to an oral surgeon in Garland. I am working with different agencies exploring options that will hopefully help with these expenses. In the meantime, this dentist is willing to work with us as we work to help with expenses. We currently have a pledge from Panola Cancer Coalition, Camp V Tyler Veterans Organization, Panola County Veterans Relief Fund and others.
William G. Morris
Panola County Veterans Service Officer
903-693-0360
[email protected]
