For more than three years Bill Caudle has supported his wife, Michelle, as she’s battled advanced-stage ovarian cancer. In March, he was laid off from his job of 20 years at plastics manufacturer PolyOne, losing not only his salary, but also the benefits that covered Michelle’s chemotherapy treatments. By the end of summer, the Caudles’ money had dried up, and Bill still hadn’t found new employment. So the 39-year-old turned to the only solution he could find—he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His family will now have medical coverage, while Bill spends the next four years away from home.