A friend and her soldier

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ed4copies

ed4copies

Local Chapter Manager
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Racine, WI, USA.
On Jan 7, a black sedan pulled up to a checkpoint in Iraq and got off 3 rounds. One of them hit a 20 yr. old soldier in the neck. Field surgery saved his life, but resulted in an infection. He has been at Walter Reed ICU since the 14th. Yesterday, he got out of bed, briefly. But, it looks like he WILL pull through.

I know many of you have strong military ties and even more of us appreciate the efforts of our troops. I would like to inundate this young man (and his mom - my friend) with "Thank-yous". So, if you are willing to take a few moments to send a card, please e-mail me and I will provide the address.

Thanks to all! To those who participate, my special thanks.
 
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2:15 ish Eastern time.

Just got an e-mail, he is progressing. Got moved. So all who have an address, please check your e-mail for the NEW ward number. All who respond from now on will get the NEW address, With an E where the C was.

I think this is a good sign, although confusing.
 
THANK-YOU!!! TO EVERYONE!!!!

To those who asked for his address and for those who chose to remember him in your prayers, a special thanks.

Life goes on, he continues to mend slowly.
 
Update: 4:05 pm Eastern Wed

Excerpt from e-mail from my friend, Janet:
"Niles (her son's name) is getting cards from many he doesn't know, he gets a little choked up about it. I don't think he realized how much everyone cared."




THANKS AGAIN, Everyone!!! (from Ed) Will keep you posted as he recovers.
 
Early Thursday update, Niles is out of Intensive Care Unit. Moved to his own room, making progress. Should get further update late afternoon.

Thanks again, the cards were again mentioned, although Niles is sleeping a lot right now.
 
Friday morning update:

More progress, Niles is strong enough to object to the IV, although his white blood count is up (fighting infection), he is generally doing very well. Has walked down the hall a bit with assistance.

In short, mom is pretty happy to see her boy upright. Looks like the hardest part is past.

Will keep you all informed, and please continue to send cards, if you wish.

New ward # is 6815. Anything sent to the old number WILL reach him. (Kind of ironic, his mom is a postal service delivery person in a small town in Wisconsin, so she will get his mail to him.)

Thanks again, everyone!!! Ed
 
Friday afternoon:

Niles' white count is still higher than they would like and there is blood in one lung. They expect to do tests to localize and drain the blood. He is tired of being a "pincushion". Those of us who have been in the hospital for more than a week at a time can certainly understand this.

I will be gone for the weekend, so no news is NOT bad news. Will update you all on Monday.
 
Tues 1/30/07:

As time passes, Niles runs into hurdles and has overcome them. Blood in the lung, drained, looking better. White cell count going back to normal. But, the facts are also becoming clearer. Seems they tried to get him twice!

The black sedan was in line for a "random" check and, apparently, Niles signalled to other soldiers to check that car next (BMW). Someone stood on something or came through the sunroof and fired several shots. One entered Niles' neck from the front and exited above the body armor, above his right shoulder.

THEN, in transit to the "hospital tent", his vehicle hit an IED. The explosion resulted in burns on his chest. However, the vehicle was still able to travel and continued to the destination.

This is one fortunate young man, to be alive.

Again, I thank those who have sent cards and those who have contacted me in other ways. I WILL try to keep you informed. But things look good, long-term.
 
2/5/07 Monday:

Janet has been keeping us informed every couple days, but Saturday came the good news that she expects Niles to be released from the hospital on Sunday or today!!

While he is still on medications, they feel he can come to the hospital daily and be treated on an "out-patient" basis. I'm sure all us moms and dads can feel Janet's exhiloration as she sees her son recovering!!!

Obviously, his address at the hospital will no longer be valid. Thank-you all for your cards. His mom expressed her thanks in a short message on my voice mail. Mostly, she sounded tired.

Better times are coming!!! Thanks again to all!!![:)][:)][:)]
 
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