(WSVN) – A devastating hit-and-run accident left National Guardsmen fighting for their lives. Now his mother is also his caregiver and is getting much-needed help. Karen Hensel has the latest on tonight’s 7 Investigates.
Eleska Moore: “Come on, son.”
Medical worker: “Good luck!”
For Jamaal Williams, they’re small steps and a long road to recovery.
Eleska Moore: “Right now I just have to rely on my faith and trust in God that He will restore Jamal.”
Eleska Moore spoke to us outside a Houston rehabilitation center Wednesday, more than a year after her son was seriously injured in South Florida.
Eleska Moore: “I’m still his voice because he can’t speak yet.”
Eleska has been her son’s “voice” since March 4, 2023, when he was struck while trying to walk across Pembroke Road in Miramar.
The driver took off and Jamal’s family appealed for information from the public.
Eleska Moore, March 2023: “My son is full of energy. It’s very difficult to see him not be able to move.”
Jamal, who served in the Army National Guard for 12 years, suffered a traumatic brain injury.
In February, we aired a story as the tragic anniversary of the accident approached.
Eleska Moore, February: “For me and my family, it was a nightmare from which we couldn’t wake up.”
Eleska said she cared for Jamal at her home near Houston, and the hardships she had in housing him there.
Eleska Moore, February: “He can’t walk. He can’t talk. He can’t go to the bathroom. He can’t bathe himself. He has to brush his teeth. Hmm. My son is 6(-foot-)1 years old, can you imagine having a 6(-foot-)1 year old newborn? That’s what it’s like.”
At the time, Eleska’s problems continued to mount.
A letter from the National Guard said Jamal was facing “honorable discharge” because he “failed to meet medical retention standards.” That means he will lose his health insurance from the military.
More bad news came from the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The letter declared Jamal ineligible for compensation because his “conduct contributed to the injury.” The collision report states he “fails to yield.”
Eleska Moore, February: “My son was the victim. He wasn’t the problem. He was the victim.”
We contacted the Florida Attorney General’s Office and were told that they would be contacting Mr. Eleska regarding Mr. Jamal’s case. They did so, and then things changed quickly.
Eleska Moore: “Praise God. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Father God.” That’s the first thing I said.”
Two weeks after our article aired, another letter arrived. This person said Mr Jamal was entitled to money paid to crime victims.
And on Monday, Eleska received a check for $47,500.
Eleska Moore: “I think this story certainly had some impact. The first initial reports were saying he contributed to the accident, so it established that he was the victim. And it proved that he was the victim. It bothered me.”
Eleska is grateful to the state for reversing its decision and to the Miramar Police Department’s Victim Services Unit.
Victim Advocacy Program Coordinator Valerie Menard said: “I’m really happy that my mother is now a little bit more financially comfortable.”
Eleska Moore: “They did fight. They fought to help me.”
She also encourages Jamal to keep fighting.
Eleska Moore: “You’re going to walk again. You’re going to talk again. You’re going to be Jamal again, and I have to keep telling him that.”
A message of love and hope for the soldier and father who turns 33 on Saturday.
Karen Hensel, 7News.
The case against the man accused of hitting Jamal is still ongoing in Broward court.
Statement from the Florida Attorney General’s Office:
“With respect to Williams’ claim, based on the additional information provided to our office, we were able to complete an analysis to consider whether the injured claimant deserved compensation and to determine an award. ”
National Guard statement:
“Thank you for sharing this document and taking an interest in the status of this brave military man. We are looking into the exact circumstances of Sgt. Williams’ packet, but in the meantime, Florida The National Guard sends our deepest sympathies to Staff Sergeant Williams and his family. This is a tragic accident, and the men and women of his unit, the 927th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, are doing everything they can to ease the family’s pain. Of particular note are the 15,000 In addition to raising more than $1,000, Guardianship, Registered Staff Sergeant Williams joined Tricare Reserve Select and helped the family with their Traumatic Injury Compensation claim. In addition, the Florida National Guard Foundation provided financial assistance to the family, providing lodging and meals for the mother while she was in Florida.
The Florida Army National Guard is required to conduct a medical evaluation board according to the regulations outlined in the letter you shared, and those regulations also specify the physical abilities required of service members. . These regulations are binding on the Florida National Guard, and appellate authority rests with the U.S. Army Physical Evaluation Board at Fort Martin. Sam Houston, Texas.
Once we know Sergeant’s exact personality, Williams’ discharge packet, we will follow up on that information. Thank you again for your interest and support. ”
Contact 7 investigates:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
[email protected]
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