These are the Marines and Corpsmen currently in the Operation PAL™ program. Click the service member's name for additional information, updates, message boards and web site.
Cpl., John
3/1
Date Added: 7/25/2010 |
Last Updated On: 7/25/2010
After recovering from a brain injury suffered in Iraq last year, John was involved in an IED attack in Afghanistan in May of this year. He has lost both legs and both hands/forearms. He has much shrapnel, and infections are constant. He was married just before deploying, on Valentine's day 2010 and his bride's name is Kristine. The family would appreciate your prayers and cards of encouragement.
Update: 7/25/2010 John has asked many times "Where's Grandpa?" Well, Grandpa (Richard) got in th...
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LCpl., David
3/7 Kilo
Date Added: 7/2/2010 |
Last Updated On: 7/29/2010
LCpl. David (picture is pre-deployment with his little sister) was wounded in Afghanistan by an IED in late June. His Mom reports that all of his extremities have been affected. He has partial hearing loss, fractures in his leg, both hands and fingers, including the amputation of three fingers. He will also be having surgery to remove his left eye, too badly damaged to save.
Please take a moment to send this Marine and his family some comforting thoughts and support. They will appreciate it.
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PFC, Joey
3/6 Lima
Date Added: 6/1/2010 |
Last Updated On: 7/17/2010
A mid-May IED blast in Afghanistan has seriously wounded LCpl. Joey. He sustained multiple injuries including many shrapnel wounds, tbi, a fracture to his eye socket, collapsed lung and severed artery in his knee. His family is with him as this recovery takes shape and would like to get cards and letters of support.
Please send them some sunshine.
Update: 7/17/2010 Joey has changed hospitals and has been working on rehab. He's been granted a 30 day recuperative leave to visit home while wo...
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LCpl., J. Daniel
3/6
Date Added: 5/19/2010 |
Last Updated On: 7/6/2010
In late March, J.Daniel was in Afghanistan and on patrol in an area where many IED's had been found. He said the next thing he knew, he was tossed into the air and heard a loud explosion. It took him a few minutes to realize he had stepped on an IED and had lost his right foot. He credits his men with getting him help quickly and can't wait to be reunited with them when they get back.
He'd love to hear from you so please consider sending him a note.
Update: 7/6/2010 Daniel was able to visi...
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LCpl., Lewis
1/2
Date Added: 4/20/2010 |
Last Updated On: 6/17/2010
Lewis was wounded in Afghanistan near the end of March 2010. He was shot multiple times. Both legs sustained wounds but the left leg was worse - bullets shattered his shin bone and caused loss of muscle. He will be having bone graft surgery in early May. Currently his leg is in a halo, but he's up on crutches already.
Mom says he has a long road ahead of him but he is alive and the leg will heal -- Lord willing.
She also mentioned that while at the hospital, they enjoyed a meal provided by Ma...
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Cpl., Sam
2nd CEB
Date Added: 3/12/2010 |
Last Updated On: 6/23/2010
Sam was injured in Afghanistan in late January. His legs were badly broken and his right leg below the knee had to be amputated. He's currenly in pretty good spirits but would love to hear from you as he says his rehab is supposed to take most of this year.
Update: 6/23/2010 Sam has a softball game today for wounded warriors and predicts he will have at least one homer and 3 rbi's.
We hope you surpass your expectations Sam! ...
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PFC, Paul (PJ)
1/6 Weapons
Date Added: 2/28/2010 |
Last Updated On: 4/7/2010
PFC PJ was injured in an explosion in Afghanistan near the end of February and has sustained severe injuries to his arm and has shrapnel wounds. Please let him know you are out there and send him some good wishes.
Dad says President Obama visited this morning and awarded him his Purple Heart. He says "That was cool."
He'll be undergoing surgery this week to repair that arm so his healing can begin very soon.
Update: 3/1/2010 from Dad: I want to post an uplifting feel good update on how...
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Staff Sgt., Steven
8th ESB
Date Added: 2/25/2010 |
Last Updated On: 3/28/2010
Staff Sgt. Steven was wounded in Afghanistan by an explosion recently and has suffered severe injuries to his legs and chest. His Dad said he is just glad he is alive as others were lost in the incident. Steven is married and has a young son. This family could use some words of encouragement as they face Steven's upcoming recovery.
Update: 3/28/2010 from Dad: Steven is doing well, getting around on crutches and the flesh wounds are healing. This healing will take quite a while and there is p...
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LCpl., Matt
1/6 Weapons
Date Added: 2/24/2010 |
Last Updated On: 7/3/2010
LCpl. Matt suffered multiple gunshot wounds this month while deployed to Afghanistan. Mom says his arm was hit twice and the extent of the injuries is still being determined but the road to recovery will be long. He faces surgeries and heavy duty rehab. Please send him some encouragement as he works to heal and regain function in his arm, hand and fingers.
Update: 3/28/2010 from Mom: He's home for recupertive leave. He's in good spirits and wants to thank all of you for the cards and letters...
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Sgt., Martin K.
Date Added: 12/7/2009 |
Last Updated On: 5/19/2010
Sgt. Martin has been serving his country for the past few years and we know he's been deployed to Iraq at least twice. He was diagnosed with a very serious form of cancer and is now in the hospital. He has had a few surgeries which he was not predicted to survive, but he did, and although in much pain he is still fighting in true Marine fashion. Please send some prayers aloft for his comfort and send a card so his family knows you are out there and that you care.
Update: Dec 8, 2009 Our vol...
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Capt., Blake
3rd MAW
Date Added: 11/4/2009 |
Last Updated On: 5/13/2010
Captain Blake survived an October helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He has suffered major injuries, including the loss of one of his legs, many broken bones and internal injuries. His family needs you to pray that he recovers.
Update: Nov. 5. 2009 They're weaning Blake off sedation and are going to try to take him off the ventilator today! He is following commands, nodding his head appropriately, and signaling with his hands right now. He has more surgery planned today to clean his many wound...
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LCpl., Kevin
MAG 12
Date Added: 11/1/2009 |
Last Updated On: 2/20/2010
We met LCpl Kevin and his Mom when the Purple Heart Family Support provided a meal at the hospital. He and his Mom came in for some burritos and salad. He suffered a severe head injury in March and will have a very long recuperation. Mom said they would like to know they are not alone in this struggle.
You can help them by sending good wishes from wherever you are.
Update: 2/20/2010 We've been in touch with Kevin's family and Mom says he was cleared to come home. He's been much better sin...
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LCpl., Patrick
8th ESB
Date Added: 10/29/2009 |
Last Updated On: 2/21/2010
LCpl. Patrick was injured in Afghanistan last month by an explosion. I talked to his Dad and he says he's doing ok. He's had reconstructive jaw surgery, shrapnel removed and a finger re-attached, but he is progressing.
Patrick is married and has two young children. Let them know they are not alone in this battle for recovery.
Dad is planning on helping others in OperationPAL and is very considerate of those who have been wounded. OohRah to the whole family.
Update 11/11/2009 Dad reports t...
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LCpl. , Arron
3/7 Lima Co.
Date Added: 10/5/2009 |
Last Updated On: 6/9/2010
Arron was in Iraq when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. He's been flown to the States and is now undergoing aggressive treatment. Along with chemo and radiation, he's had surgery to remove part of the bone in his arm. They've used bone from his hip and leg to replace it. He's aleady up and around and has plans for the future, including getting married in November.
Our volunteer said he is excited to know that cards and letters will be coming so let's load him up with virtual hugs and good wis...
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LCpl. , Jesse
2/3
Date Added: 9/9/2009 |
Last Updated On: 6/8/2010
LCpl. Jesse survived an IED blast Aug 6 in Afghanistan that killed 4 others. The blast not only caused severe lower extremity injuries but threw him 75 feet.
His Dad said he'd like to receive some sunshine in the mail from you so please write him a note.
Jesse, we will be with you during this recovery. There are many in this country who will be praying you get better quickly!
Update: December 20, 2009 Jesse's Dad says that he's now in another hospital and currently they are working on a ...
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LCpl., Larry
2/3 G. Co.
Date Added: 8/18/2009 |
Last Updated On: 5/22/2010
LCpl. Larry was injured in Afghanistan on 5/31/09. He has lost both legs and two fingers from his right hand. Larry said he'd love to hear from you so please consider sending some cheer his way.
Update: November 25, 2009 Larry has been hard at work healing. He has been fitted with prosthetic legs and working to re-adjust his balance to use them. He was able to visit home and was treated to a hero's welcome which overwhelmed him.
Just a few weeks ago he was able to be on deck when the men fr...
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LCpl., Aaron
1/5 Charlie Co.
Date Added: 8/16/2009 |
Last Updated On: 7/6/2010
LCpl. Aaron was wounded in Afghanistan on 8/5/2009. He has multiple injures and fractures to his arms, legs and back. His family is now with him and would love to get cards and letters of support.
Update: 8/19/2009 from Mom:
Aaron's latest surgery went well. His arm was worse than they thought but it will heal. He is also battling fever and not eating.
We hope Aaron's temp returns to normal soon and that his appetite restores along with it. Stay strong.
Update 8/22/2009 from Mom: He ...
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Sgt. , Joshua
2nd Recon
Date Added: 7/10/2009 |
Last Updated On: 4/7/2010
Sgt. Joshua's convoy was hit with an explosive device in Afghanistan in early July, 2009. He suffered the loss of one leg and multiple fractures, including his back and arm. His family would appreciate your prayers and cards filled with wishes for his recovery.
Update July 13, 2009: Sgt. Joshua's sister is providing updates on his condition, she says he is doing as good as can be expected for the injuries he has sustained. His surgery scheduled for today went well, but it was very long, ...
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Sgt., Eddie
3/2
Date Added: 6/29/2009 |
Last Updated On: 6/19/2010
Eddie was shot twice in the head in April 2005. One bullet hit his jaw but the other went into his brain. Eddie has been in the fight of his life and is doing better than anyone expected but still has far to go. His Mom says he loves to hear from people so let him know you are out there. They will be so appreciative.
Update: 7/9/2009 Sergeant Eddie received the good news this week that he has been removed from the Marine Corps' permanent retirement list and reinstated today. This is the b...
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PFC, Joshua M
2nd LAAD
Date Added: 6/10/2009 |
Last Updated On: 12/8/2009
80-85% of Joshua's body was burned in Mid May 2009. His Mom says they can use a lot of prayers and cards. This young man was happy to know that people care that he recovers, so consider sending him a card to let him know you are one of them.
Update: November 25, 2009 One of our card writers let us know that Josh wrote back to her with a note that left her and and her husband speechless.
We let these guys know to focus on their recovery and not to feel obliged to write back but sometimes t...
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LCpl., Tim
1/1 Bravo Co.
Date Added: 6/2/2009 |
Last Updated On: 7/24/2010
LCpl. Tim was wounded in Africa during a live-round training exercise at the end of May. His family would be most appreciative of prayers and cards of support. He suffered shrapnal wounds to the throat, chest and stomach.
Update: He has had surgeries and now is waiting for swelling to go down before more is done. President Obama stopped by to say hello. Tim's family and friends want you to send some words to brighten his day.
Update 06/09/09 Tim's mother sends his appreciation, and hers ...
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LCpl, Branden
1st Anglico
Date Added: 11/13/2007 |
Last Updated On: 7/24/2010
LCpl Branden was diagnosed with heart failure in the Fall of 2007 and has just received an implant until such time a donor becomes available. He is being kept sedated so his body takes the least stress possible. Please join us in supporting this family.
Update Mid-November 2007: Well the weekend brought big changes for Branden! On Saturday he was only able to breathe 35 minutes on his own and was put back on the respirator, but Sunday morning he was taken off and breathed on his own enough t...
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LCpl., Arturo
2/7
Date Added: 9/18/2007 |
Last Updated On: 6/23/2010
LCpl Arturo suffered small arms fire to his torso and hand in April. He said he'd LOVE to hear from people all over the country.
Update: His severe and painful internal injuries will take many months and more surgeries to correct.
Update: November 2007 Our volunteer who visits says he's an upbeat guy who is very thoughtful of others. Her nieces appreciated the ice pops he arranged to have for them when they visited. What a sweetie!
Update: January 2008 Arturo's next surgery had to be...
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HM2, Anthony
2/7 Fox CO.
Date Added: 6/6/2007 |
Last Updated On: 7/21/2010
HM3 Anthony was injured on April 20, 2007 when a vehicle full of explosives was detonated under the overpass his Marines were guarding. He and 7 others were injured in the incident. Anthony sustained a severe head injury, an injury to his lower back, a punctured right lung and minor scrapes and scratches on his legs, hands, arms and face.
Anthony is the 'Doc' of the group and he takes great pride in his job and in "his" Marines who were so lucky to have his wonderful care.
Update: December...
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LCpl. , John D.
2/7 Weapons
Date Added: 3/12/2007 |
Last Updated On: 4/6/2010
LCpl John received two gunshot wounds to the leg while on combat operations in Iraq in March 2007. He has nerve damage and will need extensive repair work to be done. (John subsequently suffered a major brain injury)
Update: 7/3/07: LCpl. John has been fitted with a leg brace & is currently walking & doing well in his recovery.
Update: 1/26/08 Chris (John's Mom)called to say John has been in a coma for 9 days now. He was doing well - taking pre-law classes - doing an internship - but suff...
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Cpl, Joshua
1/24 Alpha CO
Date Added: 2/15/2007 |
Last Updated On: 6/2/2010
Cpl. Joshua was shot in the neck in January 2007. At this point he quadriplegic. His mother tells us that when he gets mail it just brightens his day!
Update Feb 2007 He is paralyzed from the shoulders down and working through rehab to regain any functionality he will have.
Update Feb 2008 Joshua is engaged to Heather and they've been able to finally have a movie date, although there were three medical personnel in tow. Mom says he loves to be able to see outside and finally he's been ou...
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Gunnery Sgt, Marcus
2/3
Date Added: 2/4/2007 |
Last Updated On: 7/14/2010
Gy Sgt. Marcus was injured in Iraq - November 2006. He lost a leg in this incident. This is his second Purple Heart. He's already visiting the 'newcomers' to the hospital. (Photo is explained in the July, 2010 update)
Update: 9/1/2008 Marcus tells us he's had yet another surgery recently and is possibly looking at one more in the months to come. Rehab is going well and he's hoping to go back to work in 3 months. He and his family greatly appreciate the cards and letters of support and want...
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Cpl. , Matthew
2/3
Date Added: 2/4/2007 |
Last Updated On: 7/22/2010
LCpl. Matthew was injured by an IED in Iraq in January 2007. He lost both of his legs, his eyesight, has internal & shrapnel injuries and broken bones. Matthew as been keeping busy with physical therapy and learning braille letters.
Update Fall 2007 Matt has started standing/walking on his new legs and has even done a few stairs. He is also adept at scaling the climbing wall used for therapy and President Bush was able to watch him do it. Ooh Rah Matt!
Update : Feb 2008 Matt reports his...
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LCpl. , Colin
2/8 Weapons CO.
Date Added: 11/15/2006 |
Last Updated On: 7/17/2010
LCpl. Colin was shot in the head while on patrol in November 2006.
Update: 12/01/2006 Colin was taken off the breathing machine and had opened his eyes. God Bless Our Marines!
Update: 12/12/06 Even though he was initially thought to be brain-dead, he recognizes his family, has regained some use of one arm and even plays tic-tac-toe with his father, according to his mother.
Update: January 2007 He is doing well but is expected to be in the hospital for a few months yet. Please keep Col...
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Cpl, Roy
1/7
Date Added: 6/12/2006 |
Last Updated On: 3/20/2010
In June 2006 Cpl Roy was involved in an incident in Iraq which burned over 70% of his body and took the lives of three others with 1/7. This family has 5 boys that are all Marines! (See Oct 6, 2009 update for photo description)
Update: 07/10/2006
I spoke to Cpl. Roy's mom yesterday and he continues to make slow but steady progress. He has been able to walk (with assistance) about 10 feet and is talking. She said to tell everyone thank you for your prayers because they are working! God Bles...
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