Sgt. Courtney was injured In Afghanistan in early August. He was a passenger in a humvee that hit an IED and was knocked unconscious. One of the other passengers who had been thrown from the burning vehicle, went back and pulled him out. Courtney lost his left leg below the knee and his right leg has many severe fractures. He says he's just glad that it happened to him and not one of his men. He has a long recovery ahead of him. His family asks that you keep him in your prayers and send letters of support so his spirits can remain high.
Update: 10/21/08 Courtney was able to attend homecoming and to reunite with 'his guys'. I'm sure that was healing for both Courtney and the men who can now see that he is handling his injuries with courage.
Update: 05/12/09 Courtney's mom reports that he recently had emergency surgery on his good leg due to possible complications from bone chips. He is still facing surgeries to his left leg. Since he is not allowed to move his leg for two weeks, he could not attend his brother's wedding and he was supposed to be his brother's best man. Courtney is doing fairly well. He and his wife, Vanessa, love receiving all the cards and letters. They especially get a kick out of the cards that kids send him! Courtney's mom sends many thanks for keeping him covered in prayers and is appreciative of everyone's support.
Update July 24, 2009 Yesterday, we heard that Courtney had his 40th surgery last week. He has not been feeling good for the last couple of months and was experiencing fevers. Numerous tests were finally done and the doctors determined that Courtney had developed a bone infection in his leg. His family and friends were extremely worried when he went into surgery. His doctors were not sure whether or not they would need to amputate more of his leg during surgery, but thankfully, the surgery went well and that was not necessary. Courtney's mom say he is now on his way to healing again. All the prayers and the all the mail Courtney has received has kept his spirits up. She is extremely grateful for your kindness. She states "I know from personal experience that prayers mean everything." Please keep praying for Courtney's continued healing and increased strength and send lots of good cheer his way for a speedy recovery. We're thinking of you Courtney!
Update: July 27, 2009 Courtney's Mom sent new pictures so we put one on the main page and the other one here. You're looking good dude!
Update: 7/25/2010 Courtney has been busy even though we haven't heard about it. He was learning to walk on his prosthetic leg when he tore his ACL. That needed surgery and complications that followed pushed back his recovery even further. He has use of a service dog (Tucker), allowed to live with them, who provides help and companionship.
The good news is that Courtney has overcome those setbacks that we're sure seemed like mountains, and volunteered for a job at the Wounded Warrior Barracks. He is helping those in his same situation get through their recoveries. He says "I just want to work - give a little back for what they gave back to me..." and casually mentioned that he is running again. (Casually mentioned??!?!? HELLO? That little statement is HUGE!...and brings a big smile to our faces.)
What a guy - working hard for his own recovery but still worrying about everybody else. OohRah!
Update: 7/27/2010 Mom told Courtney she gave us an update and he mentioned that it's time the cards start going to someone that really needs them now. She says "He wanted me to thank everyone for all the cards and letters of encouragement. He really appreciates all of them. He really enjoys reading what all the little kids have to write and he gets a kick out of the pictures too. He is doing really well, teaching Martial Arts and taking Boxing instruction. He is also working on trying to go back overseas. He is determined. That boy never slows down or quits. I am so proud of him. He has come a long way and would like to see the cards and letters go to someone that really needs them now. He has really enjoyed them and thanks everyone for lifting his spirits. He will never forget them."
She says "His father and I would also like to thank everyone for all your encouragement. Its been a long haul and it will always be hard for me to look at my son and think of what he had to go through, but I know he's happy and that makes me happy. This is his life now and he is dealing with it very well. He has his times, but then I guess we all do and that's ok too. He's been through alot and has endured so much, and he will always have the memory of it and that has to be hard for all of them going through this. We pray for all our marines, soldiers, sailors, etc. every day and thank God for their service."
Mom sent a new picture that we'll post soon, and wants us to check back for updates now and then. We'll do that. Best of luck Courtney - we will not forget you either!
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Date added to program: 10/8/2008
Date removed from program: 7/27/2010
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