For This Veteran, Family is Everything | My Member Story

If you asked fifty people what family means to them, you’d likely get fifty different answers. Jason Weightman’s family, like many, is a little complicated. But in the end, there is love, laughter and support—which is all any of us can ask for.

Strong family ties

Jason and his older brother, Joshua, were placed for adoption when they were very young. They were lucky enough to be adopted together by a loving couple who gave them a beautiful life. “I don’t hold it against [my birth mom],” Jason says. “She did what she had to do and, if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t have had the life I did.”

His adoptive parents were always open with him and his brother. The boys knew they were not biologically linked to their mom and dad, but they were a true family in every other way. Their parents always told them they would support them if they ever wanted to find their birth parents once they turned 18.

Following in the family military tradition

After high school, Jason’s parents gave him two options for the next step in adulthood—get a job or follow in the footsteps of his father and brother and join the armed forces. Jason chose the military and spent four years in the Air Force. He became a Missile Operations Officer at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and was stationed in Saudi Arabia for four months.

However, during his time in the Middle East, he sustained serious injuries in a car accident. Thankfully, he survived, but his military career was over.

The search is on

When Jason’s brother, Joshua, was 19, he decided he was going to track down their birth mother. He was stationed overseas when he began his research. After a while, he was able to find and connect with her.

Eventually, after he was back home, he and Jason went to meet her in person, where they learned they had a young half-brother, Shawn, who was in the foster system.

As Jason and Joshua got to know their birth mother and half-brother, they grew closer. They wanted to help Shawn get out of foster care, but they knew neither of them was in a position to take him in. Then, a solution presented itself. Their adoptive mother—the woman who had, years earlier, saved their lives—adopted Shawn.

What a blessing! Jason calls her an earth angel because she is always putting love first.

Discovering the right treatment

Today, Jason lives in St. George, Utah. He has moved around a bit but chose to call Utah home because Joshua lives here. He loves being close to him and his son.

Another reason he is here is because of the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. He experiences long-lasting pain from the accident that makes it difficult to walk—he uses a cane and sometimes a scooter if he has to go longer distances. He also suffers from PTSD from his time in the military.

He travels from his home in St. George up to Salt Lake City for his appointments, and he is determined not to be bed bound. Since he has begun to receive proper treatment and connect with people who understand his situation, he is more hopeful than ever.

In addition to getting the right treatment and finding the right doctors, Jason’s family plays a significant role in his support system. The connection with both birth and adoptive family members provides the strength he needs to endure.

Jason is hoping to get back to aspects of himself and his life that have been lost since going into the military. He envisions a future of hiking and embracing life, and he is determined not to let his disability dictate his entire existence.

Finding his financial rock

On his first day in St. George, Jason’s brother insisted he meet someone. They piled in the car and took off for places unknown to Jason. When they pulled into a Mountain America Credit Union branch and parked, he just assumed Joshua needed to get some cash first.

They walked through the doors and were greeted by Cat Eldridge, senior financial service representative for the branch. She greeted him like she had known him for years, and Jason was still a little in the dark.

Once he realized his brother was introducing him to Cat as a financial resource to help get him on his feet, he was all in! Not only is she amazing at what she does, she is also a huge fan of recognizing those who have served.

Jason describes Cat as his GPS, being the go-to person when he needs guidance for achieving his financial goals. “You don’t just trust anyone with your financial wellbeing,” he says. “Especially when you have PTSD, anxiety and depression.”

After working with Cat for just a little while, Jason already considers her family. She has done so much for him, and he has never had this kind of support from a financial professional. “The relationship we’ve built at Mountain America is unlike anywhere else,” he says fondly.

We are so proud of you, Jason! Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and for letting us be part of your family.