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., Sam
2nd CEB
Date Added: 3/12/2010 |
Last Updated On: 3/12/2010
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. ...
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PFC, Paul (PJ)
1/6 Weapons
Date Added: 2/28/2010 |
Last Updated On: 2/28/2010
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: 2/25/2010
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. ...
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LCpl., Matt
1/6 Weapons
Date Added: 2/24/2010 |
Last Updated On: 2/24/2010
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. ...
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Sgt., Martin K.
Date Added: 12/7/2009 |
Last Updated On: 1/23/2010
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: 2/21/2010
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: 1/23/2010
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: 12/20/2009
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: 11/25/2009
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: 10/20/2009
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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LCpl., Ryan
2/3 G. Co.
Date Added: 8/4/2009 |
Last Updated On: 11/8/2009
Ryan was shot in early August, 2009 during his deployment to Afghanistan. He has had abdominal surgery and will be brought back to the US when he is stable enough to be transported. His Mom says he'd love to get some well wishes.
Update 10/20/09 Ryan was able to go home for a recuperative stay and will then continue to recover at his permanent duty station. His family says he is doing well and healing well, and determined to get fitness primed yet. That is such great news, we are grateful ...
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Sgt. , Joshua
2nd Recon
Date Added: 7/10/2009 |
Last Updated On: 9/21/2009
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: 2/20/2010
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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LCpl., Robert E.
2/3
Date Added: 6/12/2009 |
Last Updated On: 6/12/2009
In April 2009, Robert was involved in an accident and sustained numerous injuries including such severe damage to one leg that it had to be amputated. This Marine and his Mom are looking forward to getting some sunshine in the mail from you. ...
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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: 9/13/2009
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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Staff Sgt., Jeremy
2nd R.
Date Added: 5/19/2009 |
Last Updated On: 12/15/2009
SSgt. Jeremy was wounded in April 2009 in Afghanistan by an IED blast. Both of his legs needed to be amputated and he sustained fractures to other bones as well. His wife Crissy says that they can use a lot of prayers and support.
Update: December 15, 2009 We have heard that Jeremy has been given the green light to visit home for Christmas. We don't know about you but this news brings tears of joy to our eyes. He continues to do rehab as his recovery continues and will pick up where he left...
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Staff Sgt. , David
1st C.
Date Added: 5/17/2009 |
Last Updated On: 6/10/2009
Staff Sgt. David was shot, which caused him to fall off a 3 story building. He has been in and out of hospitals and rehab learning to walk again. His wife says he has good days but sustaining his strength is difficult. Even though we just learned about him, they've been dealing with this for a while.
Update: 6/10/2009 Whoops! He received his first cards and wrote he hoped no one would be mad if they found out he was Army. Mad?...No way. I had been told David was a Marine, but he's here now an...
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Sgt. , Gary
2/7
Date Added: 4/20/2009 |
Last Updated On: 1/18/2010
Sgt. Gary was in an IED blast in April 2007. He has been in the hospital ever since, recovering from all the wounds he sustained. Among them, his back was broken in 9 places and he had severe breaks to both of his legs and ankles. Please consider sending him some cheer. He still has a long way to go and you can help make that journey more comfortable.
Update: November 25, 2009 Gary has been working while he's at the Wounded Warrior Barracks and has been very helpful to our volunteers. They ...
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Cpl., Jake
2nd CEB
Date Added: 4/14/2009 |
Last Updated On: 12/19/2009
Cpl. Jake was injured on April 3, 2009 in Afghanistan. He stepped on an IED and both legs have had to be amputated below the knees. He has shrapnel injuries, one of which needed a skin graft, but all seems to be healing well. Mom says his attitude is great and he's already making plans for his future.
The same day he was injured, his grandfather passed away. This family is handling their tragic situation with all the courage you'd expect from a Marine family.
Update 9/20/09 Jake is doing ...
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Sgt., Courtney
1/6 Weapons
Date Added: 10/8/2008 |
Last Updated On: 7/27/2009
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 ...
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LCpl. , Peter
2nd LAR
Date Added: 9/13/2008 |
Last Updated On: 5/24/2009
Peter was injured in Iraq when the LAV in which he was riding was in an accident. He's being treated for TBI at a polytrauma facility. He and his family would like to receive cards of support.
Update May 24, 2009: Peter's Dad provided an update recently. He states that Peter continues having headaches 24/7, but they are improving a bit because he has started working out in the gym and swimming in the past couple of months. He doesn't run though, because the jarring of the road hurts his he...
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HM3, Anthony
2/7 FoxCo 3rd Platoon
Date Added: 7/24/2008 |
Last Updated On: 8/23/2009
"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, & shatt...
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LCpl., Kevin
2/7
Date Added: 7/18/2008 |
Last Updated On: 6/15/2009
Kevin was injured during combat operations in Afghanistan. He has sustained burns to his arms and suffered leg injuries. He said he's been able to visit one of his buddies and that "I'm doing ok". He looks forward to cards and letters as I've been told his sister is the only family there at the hospital with him.
Update 06/09/2009 Our recent news from Kevin is that he has been walking since late fall. This past April, Kevin underwent surgery which gave him back full range of motion and he n...
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LCpl, Branden
1st Anglico
Date Added: 11/13/2007 |
Last Updated On: 2/18/2010
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: 1/31/2010
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: 1/10/2010
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., Brandon
2/7
Date Added: 5/21/2007 |
Last Updated On: 12/21/2009
LCpl. Brandon was injured in an attack in April 2007. There were several others severely injured in the same incident. His left hand had to be amputated and both of his heels are badly fractured. He will be in recovery mode for quite a while.
Update December: Brandon is still working with his prosthetics and is determined to box again!
Update February: Brandon was invited to tour the USS Nimitz with other wounded warriors. He had never been on a ship before and was very impressed with th...
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LCpl. , John D.
2/7 Weapons
Date Added: 3/12/2007 |
Last Updated On: 11/11/2009
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: 2/26/2010
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: 11/16/2009
Gy Sgt. Marcus was injured in Iraq - November 2006. He lost a leg in this incident. Marcus has a beautiful family with 3 young boys. This is his second Purple Heart. He's already visiting the 'newcomers' to the hospital. 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 wants you...
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LCpl. , Matthew
2/3
Date Added: 2/4/2007 |
Last Updated On: 1/18/2009
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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Staff Sgt, Jesse
3/4 Weapons Co
Date Added: 12/30/2006 |
Last Updated On: 6/19/2009
Sgt Jesse was injured in a helicopter crash in Iraq on December 10th 2006. He has a shattered hip and 3rd degree burns, nasty concussion and shoulder injury which will be repaired after his hip shows improvement. He has had surgery & will be recovering at home. Sgt Jesse is married and has a little boy who are no doubt very happy to have him home.
Update Feb 2008: Sgt. Jesse has been promoted to Staff Sgt! He's hopefully had his last surgery (this time for his shoulder) and even though the r...
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LCpl. , Colin
2/8 Weapons CO.
Date Added: 11/15/2006 |
Last Updated On: 1/30/2009
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: 10/6/2009
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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