Wounded Guardsman Lives to See Retirement

Special to American Forces Press Service ^ | Feb. 23, 2004 | By Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, USA

[Calpernia]

Staff Sgt. Dustin Tuller accepts a flag from his eldest son, Dillyn, during a retirement ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Feb. 21. Tuller, a member of the Florida Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion,124th Infantry Regiment, was medically retired from the Army. He lost both legs from injuries sustained in an attack in Baghdad in December.

Dillyn Tuller watches as his father, Staff Sgt. Dustin Tuller, accepts a certificate of appreciation signed by President George Bush from Maj. Gen. Walter Pudlowski Jr., the acting deputy director of the Army National Guard, during a retirement ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Feb. 21.

Staff Sgt. Dustin Tuller accepts a Combat Infantryman Badge from his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Thad Hill, during a retirement ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Feb. 21.

[Calpernia]

Pro Military News!

Staff Sgt. Dustin Tuller accepts a flag from his eldest son, Dillyn, during a retirement ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Feb. 21. Tuller, a member of the Florida Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion,124th Infantry Regiment, was medically retired from the Army. He lost both legs from injuries sustained in an attack in Baghdad in December.

Private Mail to be added to or removed from the GNFI (or Pro-Coalition) ping list.

[TADSLOS]

Hand Salute. This nation cannot thank you enough for your service and sacrifice, SSG Tuller.

[billorites]

I'm sure Senator Kerry sent a warm personal note.

[Humidston]

God bless him!

[DUMBGRUNT]

Note that Sergeant Tuller, received ONE Purple Heart and NO Silver Star.

[RightWingMama]

If I hear Kerry one more time about HIS Purple Heart, I'm going to barf.

God Bless you Sgt. Tuller. You are a soldier of the 1st degree!

[BykrBayb]

I never cease to be awe struck by our soldiers. I don't think most of them realize how extraordinary they really are. To the soldiers I've known, going on with his life and pursuing his next dream is just the right thing to do, so he'll do it. No big deal. To me, it's a real big deal. I'm impressed.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

" "If they hadn't retired me, I'd still wear the uniform, even with no legs."

SSG Dustin Tuller is a true hero. We are indebted to him for his service and sacrifice.

[atomicpossum]

There are no words but "Thank you for your service to our country."

[atomicpossum]

There are no words but "Thank you for your service to our country."

[Blood of Tyrants]

I'll bet that Kerry can't even show a scar for his "combat wounds".

[billorites]

"If I hear Kerry one more time about HIS Purple Heart, I'm going to barf."

I'll hold the bag for you.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Thank you, SSgt Tuller from a grateful nation.

[El Gato]

So much for the myth of the Weekend Warrior, and the National Guard Country Club. They are, as Mr. Justice McReynolds of the US Supreme Court wrote in US vs. Miller (1939): "civilians primarily, soldiers on occasion". But those "occasions" can be a bitch.

[billorites]

That photograph of Tuller and his son is just too much to take.

[68skylark]

Very moving post, especially the photos.

[McGavin999]

May God bless him, and bring him both peace and joy. Sometimes the price that is paid for freedom is horribly high. There will be no way to ever thank this man for his service, but we can try.

[I got the rope]

God bless you Staff Sgt. Tuller. Thank you for your service

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!