Sgt. Wounded in 2009 Fort Hood Attack: Our Lives Would Be a 'Living Hell' Without Private Charities

Retired Staff Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford was shot seven times in the 2009 attack at Fort Hood, and told Glenn Beck Thursday that his life -- and those of others who were wounded -- would be a "living hell" if not for private charities.

The U.S. government has been criticized for not responding to the needs of America's soldiers and veterans, particularly those wounded at Fort Hood. Lunsford has been among the most vocal critics, sharing his experience with TheBlaze's investigative program "For the Record" back in February.

"Have you gotten anything for your back pain?" Beck asked Lunsford Thursday. "For your service when you were shot at Fort Hood?"

"No. I'm actually owed money," Lunsford responded. "If it were not for outside organizations like K9s for Warriors, Homes for Our Troops, or the Military Warriors [Support] Foundation to help injured or wounded service members, our lives would be a living hell."

Glenn Beck speaks with Ret. Staff Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford on April 3, 2014. (Photo: TheBlaze TV)

Lunsford said the government's neglect is one of the reasons service members who have post-traumatic stress disorder sometimes feel like their "backs are against the wall, where there's no light at the end of the tunnel."

"It just makes me angry," Lunsford admitted. "It really does."

Beck begged his listeners to get involved, whether it is through his charity, Mercury One, or another organization. He said 100% of the donations to Mercury One's Active Military and Veterans Support Fund go to those in need, except for minimal credit card processing fees.

Active military, veterans, and those affected by Wednesday's shooting at Fort Hood will all be supported with the donations.

Many times, Mercury One partners with existing charities who are already doing excellent work.

"Mercury One doesn't believe in reinventing the wheel," Mercury One's President Joe Kerry told TheBlaze. "If there are good people or good groups doing good things ... we will support them."

Mercury One has worked with, among other organizations, Marcus Luttrell's Lone Survivor Foundation, Homes for Heroes, and even the Charlotte Motor Speedway in conjunction with the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Race for their Patriot Partners program.

"The government's not doing it," Beck said. "We have an obligation to do it."

Complimentary Clip from TheBlaze TV

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Following his interview with Glenn Beck, Staff Sgt. Lunsford ​spoke with TheBlaze's senior Washington correspondent‎ Sara Carter about the horror of being under attack without the ability to defend yourself. You can watch a highlight of that interview here.

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