Soldier wounded in accidental shooting at Fort Dix, report says
The Times of Trenton
By Cristina Rojas
on April 05, 2014
FORT DIX — Military officials are investigating what is believed to be an accidental shooting at Fort Dix that sent one soldier to the hospital Saturday night, according to a report on 6abc.com.
Officials told ABC 6 Action News Philadelphia that the shooting occurred on a range at the military base just after 6 p.m.
read more here
Showing posts with label wounded soldiers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wounded soldiers. Show all posts
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Patriot Guard Riders give welcome-home escort to Fort Hood survivor
Patriot Guard Riders give welcome-home escort to Fort Hood survivor
Charlotte Observer
By Lindsay Ruebens
Sep. 22, 2013
Army Spc. Matthew Cooke swung onto a motorcycle Saturday afternoon and rode off to begin what he said will be a new chapter in his life.
Cooke survived five bullet wounds in the 2009 Fort Hood shootings. He was 30. Cooke is finally moving home with his parents in Norwood, in Stanly County, after being honorably discharged from the Army a few days ago. He spent the past four years recovering at Fort Hood, where he was shot three times in the back and once in the groin and a bullet grazed his head.
To welcome him back, some well-wishers and his family greeted him at the American Red Cross Emergency Disaster Operations Center in Charlotte, along with about 20 Patriot Guard Riders who escorted him home.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a national group whose members ride motorcycles and aim to protect dignity and respect for military families, usually at funerals.
One rider blared Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.”
read more here
Charlotte Observer
By Lindsay Ruebens
Sep. 22, 2013
Army Spc. Matthew Cooke swung onto a motorcycle Saturday afternoon and rode off to begin what he said will be a new chapter in his life.
Cooke survived five bullet wounds in the 2009 Fort Hood shootings. He was 30. Cooke is finally moving home with his parents in Norwood, in Stanly County, after being honorably discharged from the Army a few days ago. He spent the past four years recovering at Fort Hood, where he was shot three times in the back and once in the groin and a bullet grazed his head.
To welcome him back, some well-wishers and his family greeted him at the American Red Cross Emergency Disaster Operations Center in Charlotte, along with about 20 Patriot Guard Riders who escorted him home.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a national group whose members ride motorcycles and aim to protect dignity and respect for military families, usually at funerals.
One rider blared Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.”
read more here
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Fort Hood shooter paid while waiting for trail, victims go broke
Accused Fort Hood Shooter Paid $278,000
While Awaiting Trial
Injured soldier outraged suspected shooter receives salary while his family financially struggles in recovery
By Scott Friedman
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Department of Defense confirms to NBC 5 Investigates that accused Fort Hood shooter Major Nidal Hasan has now been paid more than $278,000 since the Nov. 5, 2009 shooting that left 13 dead 32 injured. The Army said under the Military Code of Justice, Hasan’s salary cannot be suspended unless he is proven guilty.
If Hasan had been a civilian defense department employee, NBC 5 Investigates has learned, the Army could have suspended his pay after just seven days.
Personnel rules for most civilian government workers allow for "indefinite suspensions" in cases "when the agency has reasonable cause to believe that the employee has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed."
While Awaiting Trial
Injured soldier outraged suspected shooter receives salary while his family financially struggles in recovery
By Scott Friedman
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Department of Defense confirms to NBC 5 Investigates that accused Fort Hood shooter Major Nidal Hasan has now been paid more than $278,000 since the Nov. 5, 2009 shooting that left 13 dead 32 injured. The Army said under the Military Code of Justice, Hasan’s salary cannot be suspended unless he is proven guilty.
If Hasan had been a civilian defense department employee, NBC 5 Investigates has learned, the Army could have suspended his pay after just seven days.
Personnel rules for most civilian government workers allow for "indefinite suspensions" in cases "when the agency has reasonable cause to believe that the employee has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed."
Retired Army Spc. Logan Burnett, a reservist who, in 2009, was soon to be deployed to Iraq, was shot three times when a gunman opened fire inside the Army Deployment Center.
“I honestly thought I was going to die in that building,” said Burnett. “Just blood everywhere and then the thought of -- that's my blood everywhere.”
Burnett nearly died. He's had more than a dozen surgeries since the shooting, and says post-traumatic stress still keeps him up at night.
Burnett is now fighting a new battle; only this one is against the U.S. Army.
The Army has not classified the wounds of the Ft. Hood victims as “combat related” and declines to label the shooting a “terrorist attack”,
The “combat related” designation is an important one, for without it Burnett and other shooting victims are not given combat-related pay, they are not eligible for Purple Heart retirement or medical benefits given to other soldiers wounded either at war or during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon.
read more here
Thursday, February 14, 2013
No Purple Hearts for being shot, no medals for saving lives at Fort Hood
No Purple Hearts for being shot, no medals for saving lives.
This is the biggest reason it should be considered "Combat related" because had this been in Iraq or Afghanistan and they were taken by surprise, unarmed, they would have been treated as combat wounded. This was actually worse than that simply because it happened in one of the most "safest" places in this country. A military base called Fort Hood.
If you have never been to Fort Hood, it is the size of a small city. It is where families live, shop, go to school and no one is walking around with guns. That is why the damage done by this attack did more harm than anything else. The murderer was one of their own, promoted no matter what was known about him or what superiors were concerned with. The soldiers deserved so much better before this happened and afterwards, so much more than what they got.
This is the biggest reason it should be considered "Combat related" because had this been in Iraq or Afghanistan and they were taken by surprise, unarmed, they would have been treated as combat wounded. This was actually worse than that simply because it happened in one of the most "safest" places in this country. A military base called Fort Hood.
Despite extensive evidence that Hasan was in communication with al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki prior to the attack, the military has denied the victims a Purple Heart and is treating the incident as "workplace violence" instead of "combat related" or terrorism.
If you have never been to Fort Hood, it is the size of a small city. It is where families live, shop, go to school and no one is walking around with guns. That is why the damage done by this attack did more harm than anything else. The murderer was one of their own, promoted no matter what was known about him or what superiors were concerned with. The soldiers deserved so much better before this happened and afterwards, so much more than what they got.
Members of Congress Demand Obama Administration Classify Ft. Hood Attack as an "Act of Terrorism"
ABC News
By NED BERKOWITZ
Feb. 13, 2013
In the wake of an ABC News story detailing claims by victims of the Fort Hood shooting that they have been neglected by the military and 'betrayed' by President Obama, the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee has sent a letter to his fellow members of Congress demanding that the Obama administration classify the attack as a terrorist act and provide full benefits to the victims and their families.
"It is time for the administration to recognize the Fort Hood shooting for what it is—an act of terrorism," wrote Rep. Michael McCaul, R.-Texas, in a letter cosigned by Rep. Frank Wolf, R.-Virginia. "To date, the Department of Defense and the Army classify this attack [as] 'workplace violence,' despite mountains of evidence [that] clearly proves the Ft. Hood shooting was an act of terror."
The letter recommends that members of Congress view the ABC News report, "which highlights the broken promises made to the victims of that attack by the Obama Administration. The video contains never-seen-before footage of the terrorist attack and moving interviews with several of the survivors."
"As this news piece makes clear," wrote McCaul and Wolf, "the result of this inexcusable [workplace violence] classification … is that victims and their families have not received the same recognition or medical and financial benefits as those wounded or killed in war."
read more here
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Soldier outraged Afghan policeman who shot him did interview on CNN
Vacaville soldier outraged man who shot him in Afghanistan is free, gave interview on CNN
Daily Democrat
By Melissa Murphy
Created: 09/18/2012
Nearly three years ago, an Afghan policeman turned on the very same U.S. Army soldiers that trained him, killing two and wounding three others.
Army Staff Sgt. Christian Hughes, a Vacaville Christian High School graduate, was among the wounded and remembers the events of the attack on Oct. 2, 2009, like they happened yesterday.
On Monday morning, Hughes and his family were once again reminded of the horrific day, when they learned the man responsible is not only alive and well, but bragging about it on international television.
"I never thought I would see him again," Hughes said in a telephone interview from his home in New York. "I woke up thinking everything was fine and normal today. Now I'm looking at the man who tried to murder me. It's unbelievable."
read more here
Daily Democrat
By Melissa Murphy
Created: 09/18/2012
Nearly three years ago, an Afghan policeman turned on the very same U.S. Army soldiers that trained him, killing two and wounding three others.
Army Staff Sgt. Christian Hughes, a Vacaville Christian High School graduate, was among the wounded and remembers the events of the attack on Oct. 2, 2009, like they happened yesterday.
On Monday morning, Hughes and his family were once again reminded of the horrific day, when they learned the man responsible is not only alive and well, but bragging about it on international television.
"I never thought I would see him again," Hughes said in a telephone interview from his home in New York. "I woke up thinking everything was fine and normal today. Now I'm looking at the man who tried to murder me. It's unbelievable."
read more here
Monday, June 18, 2012
More troops attacked by "Afghan police officers"
Men in Afghan police uniforms kill U.S. troop
By Lolita C. Baldor
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 18, 2012 17:25:12 EDT
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say that an American service member was killed and several others were injured when individuals dressed in Afghan police uniforms turned their guns on them in southern Afghanistan Monday.
By Lolita C. Baldor
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 18, 2012 17:25:12 EDT
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say that an American service member was killed and several others were injured when individuals dressed in Afghan police uniforms turned their guns on them in southern Afghanistan Monday.
Although they were wearing police uniforms, it was not yet clear if they were actually Afghan forces or just had the clothing.
Other U.S. officials said that as many as eight U.S. troops were injured, mostly with fairly minor wounds. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an investigation.
read more here
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Grade-schoolers in trouble for wearing wounded warrior tees
This came from one of my friends on Facebook.
Grade-schoolers in trouble for wearing wounded warrior tees
by Mayra Moreno /
KENS 5
Posted on April 23, 2012 at 6:26 PM
CONVERSE, Texas - They thought it would be a harmless gesture to wear a t-shirt in support of their father who is a wounded warrior. But two elementary school girls got in trouble for it.
According to the Judson ISD spokesperson, the girls got in trouble for breaking the dress code before, but this time, their mom said, they were just supporting their father.
First grade student, Savannah and fourth grade student, Taylor, were raised in an Army family.
"I'm paralyzed. I have a TBI," said Army Spc. Justin Perez-Gorda.
The girls' father was injured by a road-side bomb in Afghanistan. The family moved to San Antonio not long after Perez-Gorda was injured in 2011.
"This organization may build us a home that is safe for my husband to be safe in," said Josie Perez-Gorda.
Last week, the family learned they could soon get help from a non-profit organization. They received t-shirts with their logo on Thursday, so on Friday the two girls wore the shirts to school in support of their father. They got in trouble with their principal at Masters Elementary.
"We do have a standardized dress code," said Judson ISD spokesperson, Aubrey Chancellor. "We certainly support the military, but we do have to be consistent across the board when it comes to following the dress code."
Mom and dad are upset and wondering why the school allows students to wear t-shirts with college logos but not one with an organization that supports wounded warriors like their father.
"These guys are fighting for our country and they should be able to wear something that honors their parents, especially if they are wounded," said the girls' mother.
The district spokesperson said if a parent feels the dress code needs to be changed they are always welcome to attend board meetings to address their concerns.
The Judson Independent School District dess code requiremenst for grades pre-k to 8th are as follows: Polo-style shirts (any color - solid or stripes), t-shirt with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
send letters to:
Judson ISD
8012 Shin Oak Drive
Live Oak TX 78233
210-945-5100 Receptionist
Grade-schoolers in trouble for wearing wounded warrior tees
by Mayra Moreno /
KENS 5
Posted on April 23, 2012 at 6:26 PM
CONVERSE, Texas - They thought it would be a harmless gesture to wear a t-shirt in support of their father who is a wounded warrior. But two elementary school girls got in trouble for it.
According to the Judson ISD spokesperson, the girls got in trouble for breaking the dress code before, but this time, their mom said, they were just supporting their father.
First grade student, Savannah and fourth grade student, Taylor, were raised in an Army family.
"I'm paralyzed. I have a TBI," said Army Spc. Justin Perez-Gorda.
The girls' father was injured by a road-side bomb in Afghanistan. The family moved to San Antonio not long after Perez-Gorda was injured in 2011.
"This organization may build us a home that is safe for my husband to be safe in," said Josie Perez-Gorda.
Last week, the family learned they could soon get help from a non-profit organization. They received t-shirts with their logo on Thursday, so on Friday the two girls wore the shirts to school in support of their father. They got in trouble with their principal at Masters Elementary.
"We do have a standardized dress code," said Judson ISD spokesperson, Aubrey Chancellor. "We certainly support the military, but we do have to be consistent across the board when it comes to following the dress code."
Mom and dad are upset and wondering why the school allows students to wear t-shirts with college logos but not one with an organization that supports wounded warriors like their father.
"These guys are fighting for our country and they should be able to wear something that honors their parents, especially if they are wounded," said the girls' mother.
The district spokesperson said if a parent feels the dress code needs to be changed they are always welcome to attend board meetings to address their concerns.
The Judson Independent School District dess code requiremenst for grades pre-k to 8th are as follows: Polo-style shirts (any color - solid or stripes), t-shirt with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
send letters to:
Judson ISD
8012 Shin Oak Drive
Live Oak TX 78233
210-945-5100 Receptionist
FSU grad still recovering from 2009 Fort Hood shooting
FSU grad still recovering from 2009 Fort Hood shooting
Apr. 25, 2012
By Doug Blackburn
Democrat senior writer
Zeigler, a Florida State graduate who was gravely wounded during the Nov. 5, 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, has relocated to a civilian hospital in California. His daily rehabilitation continues, 30 months out and counting.
He is hopeful he will be able to walk without a cane by August, when he is scheduled to testify in the murder trial of former Army psychiatrist Malik Hasan, charged with killing 13 men and women at Fort Hood. He also continues to work on his left arm, which remains mostly paralyzed after it suffered two bullet wounds.
Zeigler remains a positive, focused man. He and his wife, Jessica, who married at Fort Hood in December 2010, are expecting their first child in late October, within weeks of the third anniversary of the Fort Hood tragedy.
read more here
Apr. 25, 2012
By Doug Blackburn
Democrat senior writer
FSU graduate Patrick Zeigler survived two tours in Iraq but was nearly killed during the Nov. 5, 2009 massacre at Fort Hood.
Zeigler, a Florida State graduate who was gravely wounded during the Nov. 5, 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, has relocated to a civilian hospital in California. His daily rehabilitation continues, 30 months out and counting.
He is hopeful he will be able to walk without a cane by August, when he is scheduled to testify in the murder trial of former Army psychiatrist Malik Hasan, charged with killing 13 men and women at Fort Hood. He also continues to work on his left arm, which remains mostly paralyzed after it suffered two bullet wounds.
Zeigler remains a positive, focused man. He and his wife, Jessica, who married at Fort Hood in December 2010, are expecting their first child in late October, within weeks of the third anniversary of the Fort Hood tragedy.
read more here
2 Joint Base Lewis-McChord to compete in Warrior Games
2 soldiers who overcame illness, injury will compete in Warrior Games
A year after he ended treatment for an acute form of cancer that should have killed him, Army Sgt. Fred Prince received more good news. He was one 50 soldiers selected to compete in a sporting event for ill and injured service members.
CHRISTIAN HILL; STAFF WRITER
Published: 04/24/12
A year after he ended treatment for an acute form of cancer that should have killed him, Army Sgt. Fred Prince received more good news. He was one 50 soldiers selected to compete in a sporting event for ill and injured service members.
Prince is one of two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord invited to compete against athletes from other service branches at the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The event begins Monday and runs through May 5.
Prince, 35, and Staff Sgt. Max Hasson, 42, will represent the base. Prince qualified in air rifle and archery. Hasson qualified for air rifle, handcycling and three swimming events.
The two are assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Lewis-McChord, where soldiers receive treatment for long-term injury or illness until they can rejoin their unit or be medically discharged.
read more here
A year after he ended treatment for an acute form of cancer that should have killed him, Army Sgt. Fred Prince received more good news. He was one 50 soldiers selected to compete in a sporting event for ill and injured service members.
CHRISTIAN HILL; STAFF WRITER
Published: 04/24/12
A year after he ended treatment for an acute form of cancer that should have killed him, Army Sgt. Fred Prince received more good news. He was one 50 soldiers selected to compete in a sporting event for ill and injured service members.
Prince is one of two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord invited to compete against athletes from other service branches at the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The event begins Monday and runs through May 5.
Prince, 35, and Staff Sgt. Max Hasson, 42, will represent the base. Prince qualified in air rifle and archery. Hasson qualified for air rifle, handcycling and three swimming events.
The two are assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Lewis-McChord, where soldiers receive treatment for long-term injury or illness until they can rejoin their unit or be medically discharged.
read more here
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Fort Campbell army officials, veterans rally in support of Christopher Sullivan
Fort Campbell army officials, veterans rally in support of Christopher Sullivan
2:42 PM, Dec. 29, 2011
Written by
Tavia D. Green
The Leaf-Chronicle
The U.S. soldier’s creed to never leave a fallen comrade proves true on the battlefield and off and members of the 101st Airborne Division, past and present have rallied in the support of Specialist Christopher Sullivan, who was shot while on leave at his home in San Bernardino, Calif.
Sullivan, 22, has been in critical condition at the Arrow Head Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino, Calif. since being shot Friday night.
According to previous report, Sullivan was at his welcome home party, when an argument over football erupted between Sullivan's younger brother and Ruben Ray Jurado, 19.
read more here
2:42 PM, Dec. 29, 2011
Written by
Tavia D. Green
The Leaf-Chronicle
The U.S. soldier’s creed to never leave a fallen comrade proves true on the battlefield and off and members of the 101st Airborne Division, past and present have rallied in the support of Specialist Christopher Sullivan, who was shot while on leave at his home in San Bernardino, Calif.
Sullivan, 22, has been in critical condition at the Arrow Head Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino, Calif. since being shot Friday night.
According to previous report, Sullivan was at his welcome home party, when an argument over football erupted between Sullivan's younger brother and Ruben Ray Jurado, 19.
read more here
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Police Arrest Suspect In Shooting That Left Soldier Paralyzed
Ruben Ray Jurado Arrested:
Police Arrest Suspect In Shooting That Left Soldier Paralyzed
12/26/11 09:22 PM ET
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Police on Monday arrested a suspect in a shooting that critically wounded a soldier at his Southern California homecoming party after he survived a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan. Police said Ruben Ray Jurado turned himself in to authorities in Chino Hills, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles.
The 19-year-old had been sought in the attempted murder of 22-year-old Christopher Sullivan. Authorities allege Jurado shot Sullivan at the party Friday night after getting into an argument with the soldier's brother over football teams. Jurado, who had played football with Sullivan in high school, punched Sullivan's brother and Sullivan intervened. Jurado then pulled a gun and fired multiple shots, hitting Sullivan in the neck, San Bernardino police Sgt. Gary Robertson said.
Sullivan's relatives said the Purple Heart recipient was hit twice by gunfire, which shattered his spine and left him paralyzed. read more here Original report Soldier shot at his welcome home party
Police Arrest Suspect In Shooting That Left Soldier Paralyzed
12/26/11 09:22 PM ET
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Police on Monday arrested a suspect in a shooting that critically wounded a soldier at his Southern California homecoming party after he survived a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan. Police said Ruben Ray Jurado turned himself in to authorities in Chino Hills, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles.
The 19-year-old had been sought in the attempted murder of 22-year-old Christopher Sullivan. Authorities allege Jurado shot Sullivan at the party Friday night after getting into an argument with the soldier's brother over football teams. Jurado, who had played football with Sullivan in high school, punched Sullivan's brother and Sullivan intervened. Jurado then pulled a gun and fired multiple shots, hitting Sullivan in the neck, San Bernardino police Sgt. Gary Robertson said.
Sullivan's relatives said the Purple Heart recipient was hit twice by gunfire, which shattered his spine and left him paralyzed. read more here Original report Soldier shot at his welcome home party
Saturday, December 17, 2011
No Purple Hearts for soldier survivors of attack at Fort Hood?
No Purple Heart for victim of Islamic radical
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 16, 2011 15:36:03 EST
An Army private who was shot and killed by a self-described al-Qaida foot soldier outside a military recruiting station in Arkansas did not receive a Purple Heart because lawyers decided the incident was not an act of international terrorism or act of war.
Pvt. William Long’s death in June 2009 does not qualify for the medal because the Justice Department opted not to prosecute the killing as an attack on the military by an enemy combatant, according to a spokeswoman for Army Secretary John McHugh.
“In this case, civilian law enforcement authorities, which have exclusive jurisdiction over the prosecution of this senseless act, determined that it should be treated as a crime and prosecuted by the State of Arkansas,” said Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb, a spokeswoman for McHugh.
“This determination precluded the award of the Purple Heart to these great soldiers under the current award criteria. If this changes, the Army will be pleased to conduct an appropriate review at that time,” Edgecomb said.
read more here
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 16, 2011 15:36:03 EST
An Army private who was shot and killed by a self-described al-Qaida foot soldier outside a military recruiting station in Arkansas did not receive a Purple Heart because lawyers decided the incident was not an act of international terrorism or act of war.
Pvt. William Long’s death in June 2009 does not qualify for the medal because the Justice Department opted not to prosecute the killing as an attack on the military by an enemy combatant, according to a spokeswoman for Army Secretary John McHugh.
“In this case, civilian law enforcement authorities, which have exclusive jurisdiction over the prosecution of this senseless act, determined that it should be treated as a crime and prosecuted by the State of Arkansas,” said Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb, a spokeswoman for McHugh.
“This determination precluded the award of the Purple Heart to these great soldiers under the current award criteria. If this changes, the Army will be pleased to conduct an appropriate review at that time,” Edgecomb said.
read more here
Friday, December 2, 2011
Family needs help after soldier loses legs and has 17 operations
Anderson soldier loses legs in IED explosion, family asks for support
An Anderson soldier was seriously injured in Afghanistan during an IED explosion this October, and his family has been trying to stay by his side, but it has proven very costly. A fundraiser is now being held to help out.
By Ann Keil
December 1, 2011
Anderson, IN.
A soldier from Anderson, Ind. spoke with Fox59, using Skype, from his hospital bed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His mother was by his side.
"I sleep right here,” said Tamra Rigdon, the soldier’s mother. “I can show it to you. I don't know if you can see.”
Tim Senkowski's family received the devastating news on October 13. The soldier lost both of his legs above the knee, the muscle in his right arm and his entire left buttock. His team of doctors will also assess the likelihood of a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss.
"To tell my mom that her son is badly hurt, and to tell his wife, it was one of the worst things I've ever had to do in my life," said Summer Edgell, Senkowski's sister.
An Anderson soldier was seriously injured in Afghanistan during an IED explosion this October, and his family has been trying to stay by his side, but it has proven very costly. A fundraiser is now being held to help out.
By Ann Keil
December 1, 2011
Anderson, IN.
A soldier from Anderson, Ind. spoke with Fox59, using Skype, from his hospital bed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His mother was by his side.
"I sleep right here,” said Tamra Rigdon, the soldier’s mother. “I can show it to you. I don't know if you can see.”
Tim Senkowski's family received the devastating news on October 13. The soldier lost both of his legs above the knee, the muscle in his right arm and his entire left buttock. His team of doctors will also assess the likelihood of a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss.
"To tell my mom that her son is badly hurt, and to tell his wife, it was one of the worst things I've ever had to do in my life," said Summer Edgell, Senkowski's sister.
If you would like to write him a letter his address is below:read more here
Timothy Senkowski
Walter Reid National Military Medical Center
Room 448, Building 10
8901 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20889
Senkowski is expected to stay at Walter Reid for at least a year. He has already undergone 17 surgeries.
The family has set up business account, Timothy Frank Senkowski Family Fund, where donations can be made at a PNC Bank location.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Fort Hood Survivor Runs Through Alabama to Support Shooting Victims
Fort Hood Survivor Runs Through Alabama to Support Shooting Victims
Written by Tamika Bickham
Wednesday, 02 November 2011
The two year anniversary of the Fort Hood mass shooting that left 13 dead and 32 wounded is days away. One soldier affected is a native of Eclectic, Alabama and now he's back to honor and raise money for all those affected by this tragedy.
November 5th, 2009 is a day Army Chief Christopher Royal and his wife, Major Stephanie Royal remember all too well.
"Very unexpectedly shots started ringing out and a lot of chaos," said Christopher Royal, "I got shot at several times and I was only hit in my lower part of my back twice."
"It was maybe 15 minutes after we found out the incident had started taking place when I found out my husband was involved," said Stephanie Royal.
Royal was shot twice in the back. He was one of the 32 people who were injured while 12 soldiers and one civilian were killed.
"Things like this always cause mental issues and psychological issues that aren't always seen as well as the physical wounds," she said.
So now this family is on their own mission to help the soldiers and their families who continue to suffer by creating a foundation called 32 Still Standing.
Written by Tamika Bickham
Wednesday, 02 November 2011
The two year anniversary of the Fort Hood mass shooting that left 13 dead and 32 wounded is days away. One soldier affected is a native of Eclectic, Alabama and now he's back to honor and raise money for all those affected by this tragedy.
November 5th, 2009 is a day Army Chief Christopher Royal and his wife, Major Stephanie Royal remember all too well.
"Very unexpectedly shots started ringing out and a lot of chaos," said Christopher Royal, "I got shot at several times and I was only hit in my lower part of my back twice."
"It was maybe 15 minutes after we found out the incident had started taking place when I found out my husband was involved," said Stephanie Royal.
Royal was shot twice in the back. He was one of the 32 people who were injured while 12 soldiers and one civilian were killed.
"Things like this always cause mental issues and psychological issues that aren't always seen as well as the physical wounds," she said.
So now this family is on their own mission to help the soldiers and their families who continue to suffer by creating a foundation called 32 Still Standing.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Army Ranger Leroy Petry, now one of 85 living Medal of Honor Heroes
Leroy Petry, six tours in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq, receives Medal Of Honor. He became one of 85 living Medal of Honor Heroes.
Wounded Soldier to receive Medal of Honor for action in Afghanistan
May 31, 2011
By Army News Service
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 31, 2011) -- An Army Ranger who lost his right hand and suffered shrapnel wounds after throwing an armed grenade away from his fellow Soldiers will be the second living Medal of Honor Recipient from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On July 12, 2011, President Barack Obama will award Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry, with the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Petry will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during combat operations against an armed enemy in Paktya, Afghanistan, May 26, 2008.
Petry now serves as part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga.
"It's very humbling to know that the guys thought that much of me and my actions that day, to nominate me for that," said Petry, on learning he had been nominated for the medal.
At the time of his actions in Afghanistan, Petry was assigned to Company D, 2nd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Petry's actions came as part of a rare daylight raid to capture a high-value target.
On the day of the actions that would earn Petry the Medal of Honor, he was to locate himself with the platoon headquarters in the target building once it was secured. Once there, he was to serve as the senior noncommissioned officer at the site for the remainder of the operation.
Recognizing one of the assault squads needed assistance clearing their assigned building, Petry relayed to the platoon leader that he was moving to that squad to provide additional supervision and guidance during the clearance of the building.
Once the residential portion of the building had been cleared, Petry took a fellow member of the assault squad, Pvt. 1st Class Lucas Robinson, to clear the outer courtyard. Petry knew that area had not been cleared during the initial clearance.
read more here
Wounded Soldier to receive Medal of Honor for action in Afghanistan
Wounded Soldier to receive Medal of Honor for action in Afghanistan
May 31, 2011
By Army News Service
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 31, 2011) -- An Army Ranger who lost his right hand and suffered shrapnel wounds after throwing an armed grenade away from his fellow Soldiers will be the second living Medal of Honor Recipient from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On July 12, 2011, President Barack Obama will award Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry, with the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Petry will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during combat operations against an armed enemy in Paktya, Afghanistan, May 26, 2008.
Petry now serves as part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga.
"It's very humbling to know that the guys thought that much of me and my actions that day, to nominate me for that," said Petry, on learning he had been nominated for the medal.
At the time of his actions in Afghanistan, Petry was assigned to Company D, 2nd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Petry's actions came as part of a rare daylight raid to capture a high-value target.
On the day of the actions that would earn Petry the Medal of Honor, he was to locate himself with the platoon headquarters in the target building once it was secured. Once there, he was to serve as the senior noncommissioned officer at the site for the remainder of the operation.
Recognizing one of the assault squads needed assistance clearing their assigned building, Petry relayed to the platoon leader that he was moving to that squad to provide additional supervision and guidance during the clearance of the building.
Once the residential portion of the building had been cleared, Petry took a fellow member of the assault squad, Pvt. 1st Class Lucas Robinson, to clear the outer courtyard. Petry knew that area had not been cleared during the initial clearance.
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Wounded Soldier to receive Medal of Honor for action in Afghanistan
Soldier Overcomes Injury to Help Others
Soldier Overcomes Injury to Help Others
July 13, 2011
Army News Service|by Andrea Sutherland
FORT CARSON, Colo. -- When the rocket-propelled grenade came through the windshield of Sgt. 1st Class Marc Dervaes’ Humvee, it knocked him unconscious.
After a few moments, he awoke to see another RPG come through his door and go out the roof, knocking him unconscious again.
He woke for a second time to chaos.
“That’s when I realized my arm was gone,” said Dervaes, a Westchester, Pa. native. “My entire door and windshield was covered in bits and pieces and chunks of this and that. I looked out my driver’s window and saw this guy on the side of the road just spraying us down with a machine gun.”
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Soldier Overcomes Injury to Help Others
July 13, 2011
Army News Service|by Andrea Sutherland
FORT CARSON, Colo. -- When the rocket-propelled grenade came through the windshield of Sgt. 1st Class Marc Dervaes’ Humvee, it knocked him unconscious.
After a few moments, he awoke to see another RPG come through his door and go out the roof, knocking him unconscious again.
He woke for a second time to chaos.
“That’s when I realized my arm was gone,” said Dervaes, a Westchester, Pa. native. “My entire door and windshield was covered in bits and pieces and chunks of this and that. I looked out my driver’s window and saw this guy on the side of the road just spraying us down with a machine gun.”
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Soldier Overcomes Injury to Help Others
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Fort Hood Survivor Celebrates His Wedding Day
Fort Hood Survivor Celebrates His Wedding Day
In 2009, 13 soldiers were killed and 32 others were injured a shooting that took place at Fort Hood Texas.
One of the soldiers wounded in that shooting, was Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler.
On July 9th, he and his wife Jessica celebrated their wedding with family and friends in Rochester.
"It was literally my dream come true," Jessica Zeigler says.
For Jessica and Patrick, it's not the first time they've pledged their love for each other.
Back in December of 2010, the couple received a surprise wedding after being a part of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. However, this time around the day is even more meaningful.
"This time it feels more real. We were part of it. We were setting stuff up and I really felt like I was sending my daughter off this time," Jessica's father Bill Hansen says.
This time instead of taking place in Texas, the ceremony and reception were in Rochester. Many of the decorations, food items, and entertainment were donated by friends and supportive businesses in the community.
read more here
Fort Hood Survivor Celebrates His Wedding Day
In 2009, 13 soldiers were killed and 32 others were injured a shooting that took place at Fort Hood Texas.
One of the soldiers wounded in that shooting, was Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler.
On July 9th, he and his wife Jessica celebrated their wedding with family and friends in Rochester.
"It was literally my dream come true," Jessica Zeigler says.
For Jessica and Patrick, it's not the first time they've pledged their love for each other.
Back in December of 2010, the couple received a surprise wedding after being a part of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. However, this time around the day is even more meaningful.
"This time it feels more real. We were part of it. We were setting stuff up and I really felt like I was sending my daughter off this time," Jessica's father Bill Hansen says.
This time instead of taking place in Texas, the ceremony and reception were in Rochester. Many of the decorations, food items, and entertainment were donated by friends and supportive businesses in the community.
read more here
Fort Hood Survivor Celebrates His Wedding Day
Friday, May 27, 2011
Vet wounded in Twin Towers on 9/11, then again serving in Iraq
Vet wounded in Twin Towers on 9/11, then again serving in Iraq
By HOWARD ALTMAN | The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 27, 2011
TAMPA --
Greg Amira leaned on his cane, medals dangling off his black suit jacket.
Bronze Star. Purple Heart. Army Commendation of Valor.
Amira was at MacDill Air Force Base on Thursday, one of several wounded veterans attending a Memorial Day ceremony there. He says he was moved by the memory of those who died in combat and felt a connection to the 13-foot-long, 1,400-pound hunk of iron near the base flag pole, a girder from the World Trade Center, brought in especially for this ceremony.
On Sept, 11, 2001, Amira, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army reserves, was in the 73rd floor of the South Tower, where he worked as vice president of investments at Morgan Stanley.
"I stayed up there until the planes hit," said Amira, who scrambled out of the stricken building, only to run back in to the North Tower, which was hit first and where most of the people were.
"Between my military training and the fact that my father, Irv, was a New York City police officer, my instinct was to run inside and help."
Amira said he and a firefighter were running around, pulling people out of rubble, checking to see who was still alive. He was in the lobby when the South Tower fell.
"It knocked me out," said Amira.
Then the North Tower fell. He was buried in rubble for five hours.
"I woke up with tubes in me," he said. "My left elbow came out of the skin. I had head trauma, back trauma and holes all over me."
Amira said he was ruled totally disabled by Social Security and Workman's Compensation. He was in line to receive $1.25 million from the Federal Victim's Compensation Fund.
"They told me I didn't have to work another day in my life," said Amira.
Then four years later, the Army called.
They wanted him to head to Iraq.
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Vet wounded in Twin Towers on 9/11, then again serving in Iraq
JAY CONNER/STAFF
Greg Amira was one of several wounded veterans attending a Memorial Day ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base.
By HOWARD ALTMAN | The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 27, 2011
TAMPA --
Greg Amira leaned on his cane, medals dangling off his black suit jacket.
Bronze Star. Purple Heart. Army Commendation of Valor.
Amira was at MacDill Air Force Base on Thursday, one of several wounded veterans attending a Memorial Day ceremony there. He says he was moved by the memory of those who died in combat and felt a connection to the 13-foot-long, 1,400-pound hunk of iron near the base flag pole, a girder from the World Trade Center, brought in especially for this ceremony.
On Sept, 11, 2001, Amira, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army reserves, was in the 73rd floor of the South Tower, where he worked as vice president of investments at Morgan Stanley.
"I stayed up there until the planes hit," said Amira, who scrambled out of the stricken building, only to run back in to the North Tower, which was hit first and where most of the people were.
"Between my military training and the fact that my father, Irv, was a New York City police officer, my instinct was to run inside and help."
Amira said he and a firefighter were running around, pulling people out of rubble, checking to see who was still alive. He was in the lobby when the South Tower fell.
"It knocked me out," said Amira.
Then the North Tower fell. He was buried in rubble for five hours.
"I woke up with tubes in me," he said. "My left elbow came out of the skin. I had head trauma, back trauma and holes all over me."
Amira said he was ruled totally disabled by Social Security and Workman's Compensation. He was in line to receive $1.25 million from the Federal Victim's Compensation Fund.
"They told me I didn't have to work another day in my life," said Amira.
Then four years later, the Army called.
They wanted him to head to Iraq.
read more here
Vet wounded in Twin Towers on 9/11, then again serving in Iraq
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride at White House
A participant in the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride heads to the South Lawn of the White House through the Diplomatic Reception Room before the start of their ride, May 4, 2011. The President welcomed the group to the White House in advance of their fifth annual ride on Friday and Saturday. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
This afternoon, the South Lawn of the White House was full of veterans, military families, and their bicycles, as the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride came to the White House. The Soldier Ride started as a way to help wounded soldiers recover from their injuries through adaptive cycling. Nearly a decade later, the program has expanded to involve civilians as well, raising money for and promoting the cause of America's wounded warriors.
In welcoming the riders, President Obama said a few words about the beginnings of the Soldier Ride effort:
Today is a reminder -- as Michelle and Jill Biden have already said -- that every American, every single person in this country, can do something to support our remarkable troops and their families. Everybody can do something.
So seven years ago, a bartender from Long Island had the same idea. He wasn’t from a military family. He had never served in the military. But he knew that he owed our military something. He was just an ordinary American who was grateful for the service of all those who wear the uniform. And he said, “I just wanted to give something back.”
So he jumped on his bike and rode across the country -- over 5,000 miles -- to raise funds and awareness for our wounded warriors. Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover. That’s the difference a single person can make. Today we want to thank Chris Carney and everyone from the Wounded Warrior Project for reminding us of our obligations to each other as Americans.
After taking special note of a few individual soldiers with whom he had met before, President Obama thanked the riders for the inspiration they provide him and so many other Americans:
So to all the riders here today, I want to say, as your Commander-in-Chief and as an American, thank you. We are grateful for you. You represent the very best in America. And in your fight to recover and in the ride that you’re about to begin, we see the values and virtues that make our country great.
We may take a hit. We may endure great loss. But we are a strong and resilient people. We push on. We persevere. We’re confident in our cause. And we know that, like generations of Americans before us, we will emerge stronger than before.
read more here
Wounded Warrior Project Soldier's Ride
Friday, April 8, 2011
Troops wound infections serious enough to cause new study
Barry University gets $2 million grant to study infections
Acinetobacter Infections Harming Troops
2-5-2007
A story published in Wired says injured U.S. soldiers are facing dangerous infections from multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in addition to their battle wounds. The article says 700 troops have been infected since the Iraq War began in 2003.
Since OPERATION Iraqi Freedom began in 2003, more than 700 US soldiers have been infected or colonized with Acinetobacter baumannii. A significant number of additional cases have been found in the Canadian and British armed forces, and among wounded Iraqi civilians. The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology has recorded seven deaths caused by the bacteria in US hospitals along the evacuation chain. Four were unlucky civilians who picked up the bug at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, while undergoing treatment for other life-threatening conditions. Another was a 63-year-old woman, also chronically ill, who shared a ward at Landstuhl with infected coalition troops.
Behind the scenes, the spread of a pathogen that targets wounded GIs has triggered broad reforms in both combat medical care and the Pentagon's networks for tracking bacterial threats within the ranks. Interviews with current and former military physicians, recent articles in medical journals, and internal reports reveal that the Department of Defense has been waging a secret war within the larger mission in Iraq and Afghanistan - a war against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Acinetobacter is only one of many bacterial nemeses prowling around in ICUs and neonatal units in hospitals all over the world. A particularly fierce organism known as MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - infects healthy people, spreads easily, and accounts for many of the 90,000 fatal infections picked up in US hospitals each year. Another drug-resistant germ on the rise in health care facilities, Clostridium difficile, moves in for the kill when long courses of antibiotics have wiped out normal intestinal flora.
Forerunners of the bug causing the military infections have been making deadly incursions into civilian hospitals for more than a decade. In the early 1990s, 1,400 people were infected or colonized at a single facility in Spain. A few years later, particularly virulent strains of the bacteria spread through three Israeli hospitals, killing half of the infected patients. Death by acinetobacter can take many forms: catastrophic fevers, pneumonia, meningitis, infections of the spine, and sepsis of the blood. Patients who survive face longer hospital stays, more surgery, and severe complications.
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Acinetobacter Infections Harming Troops
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