Meet Ramon: An American Hero

Ramon Bejarano is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served with honor, resilience, and dedication. After multiple overseas deployments, including some of the most dangerous operations of the Iraq War, Ramon returned home carrying the physical and emotional weight of combat. Years later, his injuries continued to affect his daily life in unexpected ways. One of the most persistent challenges was severe light sensitivity, which triggered frequent and debilitating migraines. The solution to that problem came not only from a little-known grant, but also from a partnership between two companies committed to helping him find comfort at home.

A Calling to Serve

Ramon enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000 shortly after graduating from high school. His decision to serve was inspired by his parents, who came to the United States in search of opportunity. “This great nation gave my parents the opportunity to pursue their dreams and build a better life,” he said. “Their hard work and sacrifices enabled them to become outstanding, productive citizens, and I take great pride in their perseverance.”

Despite encouragement from his father to pursue college, Ramon felt a calling to serve in the infantry. He chose one of the most demanding roles in the military, becoming a machine gunner. His job placed him on the front lines, often engaging directly with enemy forces.

He completed basic training on September 7, 2001. Just four days later, the country was rocked by the events of September 11. Following the attacks, Ramon deployed with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. In 2003, his unit was sent to Mosul, Iraq, where they secured and held the city’s airport in preparation for the arrival of coalition support. He later redeployed to the Anbar Province in 2004 and took part in the Second Battle of Fallujah, one of the most intense and dangerous campaigns of the war. “We fought from house to house and rooftop to rooftop,” he recalled. “We suffered casualties. Many Marines were wounded or killed in action.”

During the operation, Ramon was injured by RPG fire, sustaining concussions and facial wounds. Despite these injuries, he chose to remain in the fight alongside his fellow Marines. “I wanted to finish what we started,” he said. “There was no way I was going to leave my brothers behind.”

Life at Home, After the Uniform

The long-term impact of Ramon’s service did not fully surface until years later. He began to experience symptoms including light sensitivity, memory problems, and recurring migraines. He was eventually diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Ordinary activities became complicated. Climbing stairs was difficult. Cooking was unsafe due to memory lapses. Exposure to daylight through his home’s windows often triggered painful migraines, sometimes lasting up to ten hours and occurring several times a week.

“I used to get migraines four times a week,” he said. “They would last all day. The pain started deep within my eye sockets, especially on the right side. It felt like pressure building behind my eyes and spreading across my forehead and the bridge of my nose.”

Ramon attempted to manage his symptoms by keeping the blinds closed throughout the day, but the lack of natural light affected his mood and overall wellness. “I had to keep the shades closed all day. That kind of darkness starts to wear on you,” he said. “I just wanted to live in a space that supported healing instead of making things harder.”

Help That Made a Difference

Relief finally came after Ramon learned about the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant through another Marine Corps veteran. The grant is intended to help veterans with service-connected disabilities make medically necessary modifications to their homes. However, the funding amount had not been updated in more than two decades and was insufficient to cover the full cost of replacing his windows.

Although the grant only offered partial funding, the remaining cost of the project was covered through support from Window World and its manufacturing partner, MIWD. Together, these organizations ensured that Ramon received high-quality, energy-efficient windows designed to reduce glare and minimize harsh light while still allowing natural sunlight to brighten his home.

“The difference was immediate,” Ramon said. “The harsh, beaming light that used to flood the house is now filtered, but I still get the warmth and uplifting feeling of natural sunlight.” Since having the new windows installed, his migraine frequency has dropped from four times a week to just one or two per month. “Fewer migraines means more time with my family, more healing, and more strength.”

Paying It Forward

Ramon shared that the process of applying for the HISA Grant was far from simple. It required persistence, multiple follow-ups, and careful tracking of paperwork. To prevent delays, he hand-delivered his application, obtained contact information from every staff member he spoke with, and followed up on every document submitted. “Had I not stayed actively engaged, the process could have taken much longer,” he said. “I had to be persistent and thorough, or things would have fallen through the cracks.”

For other veterans who may be unaware of these types of grants or services, Ramon had this advice: “Explore all available options. Talk to other veterans. Most of the useful information still comes from veteran to veteran. The VA rarely promotes these opportunities openly, so we have to rely on each other, just like we always have.”

He also emphasized how meaningful it was to work with companies that treated him with care and respect. “Window World went far beyond what I expected,” he said. “They offered a personalized, one-on-one experience that truly made a difference in my life. Despite being a national company, they treated me with compassion and helped me without any unnecessary red tape.”

A Lasting Impact

Ramon’s story is a powerful reminder that even a small improvement to a home can create a lasting impact. The support he received allowed him to turn a space filled with discomfort into one that supports healing, connection, and peace of mind. His journey reflects the strength and perseverance of so many veterans and underscores the importance of continued support for those who have served.

“I can’t speak highly enough about how this changed my day-to-day life,” Ramon said. “It made everything a little easier. It gave me space to focus on the things that matter.”

This life-changing project was made possible through the leadership and generosity of Jackie Rosborough and Joel Slater, the owners of Window World of Western Chicago. Their commitment to service and their belief in the Window World Military Initiative were central to bringing this project to life. MIWD, the manufacturing partner that supplied the windows, also played a key role by helping to cover the cost of the installation.

This is just one example of how Window World franchise owners across the country are stepping up to support the military community. Through the Window World Military Initiative, stores regularly partner with veterans and veteran-support organizations to make a real difference in people’s lives. From installing new windows and doors to helping with home accessibility, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to honoring service with action.
 

Window World provides high-quality exterior remodeling products backed by a strong commitment to customer service and community values. From energy-efficient windows and doors to siding and more, the company helps homeowners enhance their homes and improve their lives with reliable, beautiful upgrades. Its ongoing efforts to support military families and veterans through the Window World Military Initiative reflect a broader dedication to service that extends beyond the job site. To begin a project or request an estimate, click here to get a free quote.

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