Prayer Request for a Soldier and his wife

[RobertNashville]

A U.S. Army Fist Sergent, and one of my best friends and his wife need your prayers.

My buddy is a 15 year veteran, four tours in Iraq, more medals that anyone alive should have including multiple Purple Hearts and father of two. He is in his last five year enlistment. I don't know of anyone more capable with weapons of all kinds than my friend yet last night, his personal handgun discharged and he shot himself in his hand causing some extensive damage. He is in his first surgery as I write this and will have another tomorrow and likely several more over the coming months.

This is especially difficult for his wife because their current duty assignment is literally in the middle of nowhere...the hospital is two hours away and, since they just took that duty assignment at the first of they year, they hardly know anyone there and, as is often the case in the military, they have no family in the area.

Of course, those who are or have been in the military know that we take care of our own but I'd like to ask all of you who are so inclined to pay for both of them for a speedy and complete recovery and the strength they need to get through what is likely to be some very difficult months ahead.

What happened was that his wife accidentally spilled some water on his personal weapon (and HK USP 40 S&W) so of course, he wanted to clean it immediately - while clearing the round in the chamber his hand slipped while manipulating the slide and, I assume, his finger was on the trigger.

When the time is right, I look forward to making fun of him but now isn't the time.

I guess this incident can serve as a pretty close to home reminder that these weapons we love, admire, and carry are dangerous weapons and that safety should always be on our minds - we never know enough that we can allow ourselves to become complacent when it comes to safety.

Edited March 10, 2011 by RobertNashville

[Guest db99wj]

Prayers there way.

[Guest friesepferd]

sending my prayers. Its always very important to never be in a hurry with firearms, unless your hurry is to shoot something.

[RobertNashville]

I appreciate everyone who has read this thread and taken a moment to offer up a prayer or good thought for my friend.

It's been a rough couple of days (and especially nights) but some good news finally...after two surgeries the doctors believe that the only nerve damage is in his ring finger...they've put in two pins and now it's a bit of a waiting game to see of the bones will start to fuse together as they should. He may get to go home withing the next day or two depending a lot on how well he can get buy with prescription pain killers (rather than what he gets in the IV drip).

Again; thanks for your prayers and keep them coming...this is going to be a long road for him.

Thanks!!!

[chemprof]

Glad the surgeries have gone well thus far. Will keep him and his family in our thoughts.

[E4 No More]

Prayer rendered.

[willis68]

Prayers sent

[RobertNashville]

I'm heading out to Missouri tomorrow (Friday) to spend the weekend with these folks and I thought I'd give a quick update and another thank you to TGO folks who have offered prayers because they are truly appreciated!

My friend is doing well...there is a good possibility of at least one more surgery but overall, the damage to his hand is slight all things considered. They believe that he will lose some dexterity in his left hand (mostly in his ring finger) but at least it's not a "career ending" sort of injury.

Thanks again to all!

[RobertNashville]

I just returned last night from spending about three days with my friends in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri...happy to report that they are doing Ok and things look good for them long term. They are concerned about finances...it took a while for his wife to find a job after moving there and because of the accident she had to quite that job to take care of him (it's amazing how many things you can't do for yourself when you suddenly don't have the use of one hand!). Anyway, she has found a new job that starts in a few weeks so they should be ok, just tight going for now. He is healing pretty well but looking at some possible bone grafting soon.

Anyway; I can't think you all enough for your prayers and I hope you'll continue to life he and his wife up from time to time.