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A Soldier’s Story First Sgt. Robert Jennings |
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Several Iraqi girls return home from school as a U.S. soldier stands nearby.
Soldiers injured in ambush
making progress in recovery10 May 1100 hours >> I received an e-mail from an unfamiliar name, who had the updates for two of the soldiers injured two weeks ago. I received an in-depth status on the condition of Spc. Charles Woolwine of Roanoke, Va., and Spc. Juan Hernandez of Tatum, N.M. They arrived at Walter Reed Medical Center and were receiving the best care the Army has to offer.
Since that day, I have received almost daily updates from Mrs. Myrna Bein, Woolwine's mother, whom I refer to as my "information angel." She's a nurse and has been keeping us updated on our boys.
Woolwine, from her description, sounds just as bullheaded and motivated as when he was here. He has undergone his eighth surgery in two weeks, the last to shape his amputated right leg for a prosthetic.
Girls wait patiently in line for handouts of clothes, school supplies and hygiene products.
He has expressed interest in remaining in the military and the doctors say he may have that option in a new job. They are continuing to remove shrapnel from his left leg, but this does not seem to slow "the machine" down.He still insists on refusing help from anyone to transfer to his wheelchair so he can be mobile throughout the hospital. He seems to be eager to start his physical therapy so he can continue with his career.
Hernandez is still in the ICU and has had a few surgeries since his departure from Iraq. He has been removed from the ventilator after two weeks and is getting more responsive to the people around him. His family is staying at the hospital family house and is by his side every day. Woolwine also visits him daily.
Spc. Joseph Salinas of Long Island, N.Y., had surgery on his elbow where he had received a gunshot wound. He has been released from Walter Reed and I'm unsure if he is on leave or transferred to another hospital.
Sgt. 1st Class Richard Woodruff poses with some boys during a patrol.
Pfc. Cory Ferguson of Springdale, Ariz., was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. We know through our medical chain here that he has had surgery on his right leg and left hand. He should be able to make a full recovery through motivation and physical therapy. Compared to last week, this is great news concerning our young soldiers injured in the ambush on May 2.I have decided to shy away from military operations and ways of life this week. I'm not going to do a soldier interview or report on the local people. Instead, I've gathered some photos of what I think are the future of this country.
Rich, poor or middle class, the youth is the future. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here are a couple thousand words for you.
God bless and aloha.
