11/4/2005
Project Valour-IT - Testament
American Soldier says,
A few months ago I wrote about a soldier that I had served with. He was injured by an IED and is now at Walter Reed. It took some work but I was able to get his info and have been corresponding with him since. This is the summary of his story.
XXX - Denotes OPSEC material.
I was the gunner for the lead vehicle in our three vehicle patrol. We had just turned onto route XXX, which is perpendicular to ASR XXX, which slightly resembles XXX back home. About half way down the road we were greeted by two 155mm artillery rounds very well placed by a Hajji on the left side of the road which detonated between 15 and 20 feet from my humvee on the front left side. I received 15 pieces of shrapnel to my right forearm, which severed my median, and ulna nerves, my ulna artery, and mangling many ligaments and tendons. I also caught two pieces of shrapnel in my neck, and I received some pretty hefty lacerations to my face and forehead.
I have no feeling and no use of my right hand. They reconnected the nerves by grafting a section of nerve from my left calf. They tied off the artery at Balad in Iraq. They say I’ll never have full feeling or use of my right hand again. I’m looking at a year or two for a recovery.
We were talking last night and he was telling me that he wants to go to college but doesn’t think he will be very easy because of his injury. His tone sounded like he was giving up that dream. The gears starting moving in my head and thought that this soldier was a perfect candidate for a Project Valour-IT laptop.
I told this soldier that I wanted him to email me his address at Walter Reed and to also list anything he needs. I told him that he is only 18, a war veteran and he should be proud of himself and damn lucky to be alive, so live.
He humbly acknowledged this and told me that he would send me a list of things he may need.
I emailed my contact over at Project Valour-IT and she responded to my request. I asked her if she could consider this soldier for a laptop. We went back and forth with a few detailed emails and in the end have secured a laptop for this young warrior. I believe that Chuck Ziegenfuss is going to be delivering it personally. I’ve asked that it be given to him from a friend. No names, no association to this site, but rather a friend. This soldier does not know that I am ‘American Soldier’.
I went to bed with a smile on my face knowing that I was going to make his dream of going to college a reality. I want you to know that I am very appreciative of Project Valour-IT and all those involved. I have no doubt that this soldier will utilize this computer and be successful with his future school endeavors. I know he has a long road to recovery but recovery begins with the mind.
So let this be a true testament to this program and how it works! Take the time today and support this cause.
Filed under: General, News from home
15 Responses to “Project Valour-IT - Testament”
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OMG! I love you all soooo much! The way you go to war just to fight for the freedom of people you don’t even know, and without a complaint!? You guys are pretty tough! It brings tears to my eyes when I hear that a family lost the man of their house in battle. You vow your lives to the government, and if you’re killed, you’re killed. That really isn’t fair, and it makes me want to do something about it. Therefore, I have dedicated my life to science. When I get old enough, and I have enough money to build a laboratory and a factory, I will design robots to replace our troops. Eventually, other countries will catch on, and there won’t be any more bloodshed. And for those of you who join the armed forces for money and because you need someplace to live, (like on base) there will be an even more advanced program for you, funded by the United States. Mail me back, in fact I prefer that you do not e-mail me, but send me a written or typed letter to 315 Heritage Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080. I know my idea sounds like the one of a nyeve young person who just wants 2 help, but I will mature and come up with better ideas.
God Bless America and all of our troops! We love you!
Oh dear….so who will be able to stop the robots from killing people? When you become a scientist, God bless you, remember what Vaclav Havel said about modern science which I will paraphase as ‘when man measures all things according to man the results are schizophrenia.’
Also LA County in California, USA has lost over 800 police officers killed in action due to crime in LA this year alone, their families have too lost the man of their house in battle.
Anyway, I thought soldiers vowed their lives to duty, honor and country, not The Government. That said, just what exactly is The Government, I think it is We The People.
I thank God for our US Armed Forces in having the strength to keep We The People safe from totalitarian Facism’s rotting decay.
I picked Holly Aho and the Marines (the Navy, Army and Airforce are giving the Marines a battle) But I am cheering for everyone!
wow, our troops are amazing, rock on AS. you guys have so much strength and courage. i look up to you guys in every way.. thank you.
In the reply stating LA has lost 800 police officers killed in the line of duty this year alone, please reverify that number. Perhaps the 800 is cumulative for the force over the span it has existed. Losing 800 officers in one year in one county would surely garner some publicity. Even from the msm as it works these days.
I mentioned both Valour-IT and your book on my TV show last night. I will be writing about the show on my blog this weekend.
Keep up the good work AS.
Way to go, AS! You’re a hero in my book!!
Great Work!!
What a fine thing you have done for this young veteran. Bless you for nudging him firmly but gently into living his life. I have been so inspired by reading your journal. Thank you for sharing your experiences and helping others in the process
This is the e-mail I sent to 400 Water System employees:
As many of you know I have run a program the last 3 Christmas’ to send goodies to our troops overseas.
This year will be my last year as I am going to retire December 30th.
Instead of sending goodies this year I decided to support Soldiers Angels Valour-IT Fund.
This fund purchases laptops with a speaking program for use by troops who have lost limbs and cannot manipulate a keyboard.
I would appreciate any donations either cash or check which will be sent from the employees of the Cobb County Water System.
Thank you for your past support and continued support for this my last year of trying to let our troops know we appreciate them.
Checks may be made payable to Soldiers Angels Valour-IT Fund.
Donations are tax deductible and I will send the donations on Nov. 14.
I also asked some of our contractors to cough up (or else ) some donations.
I have the first check in hand from Dorsch Equipment Co. for $700!!!!!!!!!! and today I got an additional $50.
Jim Smith
Diamondhead
Co. B., 25th AVN BN
Vietnam 68-70
Jim,
That is great! I will say personally that this program is improving lives.
AS, that was just one more terrific thing you did. It’s really hard to explain to someone who doesn’t ‘get it’ just how it feels to help our military, wounded or not. This particular program though, can truly make a difference between a young man having his life and being able to LIVE his life. Thank you, yet again.
Well, holy moly, you should have warned us that before finishing the post I’d need some tissues to wipe away the tears so I could finish reading. Thank God we’ve got this internet and can do so many wonderful things because of it. Thank you for making a difference in this young man’s life. Only 18 and what he’s lived through already. God bless all our military.
How does it feel like to be a solder:???::???::???::???:
Alexander
Little pitchers have long ears…