Disabled veteran goes from combat to homeless

From combat to a parking lot
Disabled veteran lives with canine companion in his pickup in Augusta
By Betty Adams badams@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

Aaron Rollins, a disabled veteran, is living in his truck in Augusta to be with his dog.
Staff photo by Andy Molloy

AUGUSTA -- In June 2007, Sgt. Aaron Rollins got a hero's welcome and a special ride home from New Jersey to join fellow Iraq veterans at a Freedom Salute ceremony in Bangor.

His family anxiously awaited. He had been in rehabilitation for the past six months at Fort Dix, N.J., for injuries suffered during his year in Iraq.

He was looking forward to spending time with his wife, their children and fellow members of Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment of the Maine Army National Guard.

Little more than four years later, he has lost his family and -- at least temporarily -- his home.

Rollins, of Madison, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and other symptoms of battlefield injuries. He lives in his black Chevrolet Silverado pickup, moving it every couple of nights between the Walmart and Sam's Club parking lots in Augusta.

He and his service dog, Mabel, a German shepherd/Lab mix, sleep in the back seat of the crew cab. His belongings are in plastic tubs in the truck bed.
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