StarBulletin.com

Radford grad is shot 4 times but survives Texas tragedy


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POSTED: Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Radford High School graduate who was severely injured in the massacre at Fort Hood, Texas, has been transferred out of intensive care.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler, 28, was shot four times at the soldier processing center, including once in the head.

“;He's doing better than we expected,”; said his mother, Brigitte. “;He just got moved to a regular room.”;

Zeigler's father, Pat, who has been at his son's bedside at a hospital in Texas, said his son has lost movement on the left side of his body. He said arrangements are being made to transfer his son to a neurological rehabilitation center.

“;He can speak. ... He cannot walk,”; his father said. “;It's pretty miraculous that he's alive.”;

Military officials believe Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a psychiatrist, opened fire at a soldier processing center Thursday. Thirteen people were killed and more than 30 wounded.

Zeigler's father said Patrick finished his second tour to Iraq and was headed to officer's candidate school.

His father said Patrick is engaged to be married and visits Hawaii often, usually every time before or after a deployment.

Zeigler is a 1999 graduate of Radford High School.

His father said Zeigler enjoys surfing and skateboarding.

“;He has a lot of friends in Hawaii. His friends are close,”; his father said.

His family says they are grateful for the prayers and the great support by friends, the Army, and Scott & White Healthcare hospital in Texas.

A trust fund has been established, and those wishing to assist in Zeigler's recovery may send a check made out to Patrick Zeigler's Trust Fund and sent to SSG Zeigler, Patrick Trust Account, America National Bank, 5809 Wesley St., Greenville, TX 75402.