Posted on 12/24/2009 3:15:14 AM PST by markomalley
Despite his inability to walk or even talk, a young man still obtained an honor typically reserved for the elite.
GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The few, the proud, the Marines - it's a badge of honor many strive for, but only a few achieve.
But for one young man fighting for his own life, he never lost his dream of fighting for his country.
Despite his inability to walk or even talk, this young man still obtained an honor typically reserved for the elite.
Ernie Stumbo is like most dads -- proud of his son's achievements and eager to sing his praises.
"He was an accomplished drummer and a good student, too, with a 3.4 GPA and participant of the Quiz Bowl," Ernie said.
At the start of this year, Dylan Stumbo, just 15, was on top of the world -- living the American teenager's life. In February, though, some strange symptoms crept up.
"He had headaches and some problems hearing," Ernie said.
In June, the Stumbos' world came crashing down -- Dylan had inoperable brain cancer and was deteriorating quickly.
Now, despite Dylan's inability to walk or even talk, he's enjoying a crowning moment -- his lifelong dream of being a Marine.
"I want to give you my chevrons that I carried with me in Iraq," said Sgt. Matthew Wilks, a recruiter with the U.S. Marine Corps. "I haven’t given anyone else my chevrons, so I would be honored if you would accept them."
Andrew Hunt is Dylan’s nurse’s aide at Scenic Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He knows Dylan’s every wink, nod and movement and knew this would be just the boost he needed.
"I saw lots of smiles and that’s really good for him in his condition," Hunt said. "It’s good for him to experience some happiness."
And just as Dylan receives encouragement, he's touched many hearts including Ron McCarty’s. He visits regularly on behalf of a local church.
"Here I came to help him and he’s helping me," McCarty said. "He brings out the best in people."
Ernie said, "He’s taught me that when you have a dream to stick to it and it can come true. He’s my hero. I wish I could be half as strong as him."
A hero with the courage to fight against all odds.
Dylan has a longtime friend who also dreamed of serving with him as a Marine. He is also currently fighting cancer.
THREAD BUMP.
Simply wonderful.
beautiful story. thank you for sharing.
there is goodness out there in the world.
Semper Fi bump
Class move on the part of the Corps, but then again I didnt expect anything less. Semper Fi Dylan....
Great story. Prayers for all. Sad to see a young person go right before the eyes of the parents. Great to see the Marines step up.
What a GREAT story. . . . . . .
...just sent the story from WSAZ to Murtha....with no comment,and a request that none be sent back..... “DO NOT RESPOND!”
The United States Marine Corps is a national treasure, and you Yanks are right to be very proud of this amazing military institution.
Don’t let anybody say ill of your Marine Corps.
A bloodthirsty killer no doubt. Note my tag line.
Marines
B U M P
Poignant story. Yes, our Marines are a cut above. I would expect nothing. Prayers for Dylan and his family. This is heartbreaking. MOM(Mother of a Marine)
‘I would expect nothing less’
Need more coffee!
No better friend, no worse enemy.
According to another of our amazing military institutions (NORAD) Santa has already been to you neck of the woods. Hope he brought you some nice things, FRiend.
Semper Fidelis.
Semper Fidelis.
I count the USMC, and most Marines (Murtha the corrupt excluded) to be a national treasure.
And I did time in the USN.
The USArmy has at times been nearly as honorable but has found itself in the last decade a national disgrace because of sorry leadership-(see the Ft Hood massacre response as example). Embarrrassssing and anti-American. Casey is the worst of the worst.
I’ve had family who have served in every branch-including the Coast Guard.
I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps. It is a great outfit-and not just in war. As seen in this story. Some tough guys with hearts of gold.
I consider Murtha on a par with Lee Harvey Oswald as far as former Marines go. I agree with you also about that PC General Crazy, as I call him.
Thanks for your service. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I try to be a peaceful man. Last time I was sorely tempted to violence was when a silly woman said something off the beam about the Corps. After I cooled off, I made myself very clear with her.
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