James Raymond is looking for help. The soldier, who served in Afghanistan, suffered a blown out eardrum and torn ligaments in his knee. He was sent home for surgery, and honorably discharged, before enrolling at UB. But more than three years later, he has been called back to active duty, even though he has a ten percent disability rating. Raymond got the paperwork last week, and is expected at fort benning in late May.

"The stress on me personally is overwhelming," said Raymond.

He is not alone. The Disabled American Veterans say, "As the war in Iraq continues there are more and more reports of veterans, reservists and national guardsman who have service connected disabilities being recalled to active duty." They add it is those with a disability rating less than 40 percent.

The army says in a statement "All soldiers incur an 8 year statutory military service obligation upon initial entry into the army whether by enlistment or appointment", and
"An IRR," which means individual ready reserve soldier," may request to be delayed or exempted from mobilization for reasons of extreme hardship or physical inability. "

Raymond is working on his exemption. Now New York Congressman Brian Higgins is taking action. His office will work with with Raymond on preparing an appeal. Higgins is sending a letter to the Department of Defense.

"Our veterans in many cases sustain serious injuries. That is a serious fundamental extenuating circumstance that ought to be taking into consideration," said Higgins.

"I am afraid I am going to let soldiers down overseas, afraid I am going to let myself down and something is going to happen to somebody because of this incident," added Raymond.