"Doc" Anthony is a Navy Corpsman. He was trying to save a Marine who had encountered an IED when he himself encountered one. His Dad says he's lost his left foot and has broken bones in his arm and legs. His family would so appreciate hearing from you and feeling support to get them through this.
Update: 12/03/2008 excerpts of what Anthony wrote himself - I am now recovering. I lost the lower half of my left leg, had a compound tib/fib fracture with ankle difficulties on my right leg, & shattered my left hand. I'm in high spirits, especially after being awarded the purple heart on the 7th of September! it was pinned on by the 2nd in charge general of the US Marine Corps, James Amos. He is the assistant commandant! Wow!, what an honor it was to have him be there for me on a day like that.
I have begun occupational therapy on my left hand, as well as physical therapy on my left limb, & right leg. If you know me, there should be no doubt in your minds that I'll be ok, because I am. I'm a man of faith, & will pull through in time.
From the bottom of my deep, & warm heart, I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have supported me & my family thru this tragic time. I am short of words when I push myself to express my sincere gratitude & admiration for such good people like yourselves. To all of my friends, to all of my family, the biggest thank you goes out to each & every one of you. May god be with you all, & please write. I love all of you so much, & again, thank you for being true Americans! God bless you all!
Update: 12/20/2008 from Anthony himself - "My recovery is back on track! I am still in a wheelchair with limited daily walking. I'm going to guess that I will be up and out of this chair sometime soon. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is not a fast process, and that it takes time to heal… The Marines and Sailors of 2/7 returned home early December! I proudly stood for the national anthem, taps, and prayers held at our "fallen comrade ceremony".
The holiday season is here, and I can only wish that all of you enjoy some days off, spend them with loved ones, and surround yourselves with warmth and happiness!
Happy Holidays, and Have a Happy New Year!!!
-A"
Update: 7/1/09 Anthony's Dad and Mom tell us that he is doing much better and although he has had a great deal of trouble with infection in his right leg, the bones in that leg are now starting to calcify and grow. It is still a very slow process. Anthony recently changed hospitals and has been back in touch with many of the Marines he was with in Afghanistan. He is mentally very positive. Anthony's Dad expressed their sincere appreciation to all the folks who have sent packages, cards and letters of support. He said that many times they have read your get well cards and letters and cried without saying a word to each other. They are so grateful for everyone's support and thank you for being there for them. Anthony's Dad states "Doc has a long way to go to be upright and walking without crutches, or a cane, or in a wheelchair. But we know he will be there someday. God Bless you and thanks again."
Update: 8/23/09 A recent newspaper article reported that Anthony received the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Valor along with four other corpsmen this past June. Referring to the corpsmen with Anthony, his mother stated "They said 'you're the one who really deserves this' and took off their medals and gave them to Anthony," she said. "It was very moving." Anthony was awarded the Purple Heart last September by Gen. James Amos, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. When Anthony recently visited his parent's home, he was greeted by over 100 Patriot Guard Riders. They played Lee Greenwood's 'Proud to be an American.' His mother said it was one of the most incredible things she had seen. Anthony's mother added that he is a very determined young man and usually accomplishes whatever he sets out to do, and "There's a lot on his agenda these days." Anthony is learning to master his prosthesis, giving him more mobility, and riding a bicycle with the help of friends, not to mention learning to surf!! Anthony says he expects to be discharged within the year. His goals include getting his LPN license and eventually working in an emergency room. Anthony states "I've been very blessed to have the community be so supportive of me and my family during the last year. It's been very appreciated." He also has had the support of a long time friend, and now his sweetheart, who has been a major part of his yearlong convalescence. Anthony says "I'm a man of faith, and will pull through in time, "God doesn't give people more than they can handle." We are grateful to hear Anthony is making good progress, he is on track for a wonderful future. Please continue to send words of encouragement to Anthony.
Update: 7/25/2010 from Dad: "Anthony is still an out-patient at the military Hospital a few states away. He has had a few more surgeries to his "good" leg since we talked last. It seems there is always something that pops up and needs to have attention. He is in great spirits and still plans on coming back home when he gets out of the military and going back to school to become a PA or an RN.
We are still getting the OperationPal envelopes. Thank you so much but, at this time, you can stop sending it to us (and Anthony). He is extremely appreciative for everything but his schedule will soon no longer allow the time any more to read the nice cards and letters. We sincerely appreciate all that you guys do and have done for us over the past two years. Please keep checking back with me to check on his progress.
Thanks again and God Bless...
Rusty (Anthony's father)"
Rusty - we will stop sending cards and letters, but we will always keep all of you in our prayers. Best wishes to "Doc" on pursuing his career.
Update: 8/11/2010 We'd thought we'd let you see Anthony standing up and with his girlfriend (still no concrete wedding plans as of yet, Dad says). Don't they make a great looking couple?
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Date added to program: 7/24/2008
Date removed from program: 7/25/2010
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