Paralyzed vet looks forward to 'greater days ahead'

On the six-month anniversary of the Baghdad rocket attack that left him paralyzed from the neck down, Lathan still exhibits the remarkably upbeat outlook that has helped the Omaha soldier move on in life...

Lathan and his family met with reporters Tuesday at the Omaha VA Hospital, making his first public comments since arriving in his hometown from a Boston rehabilitation hospital two weeks ago.

Suddenly, a man who once climbed mountains was unable to breathe on his own, pick up a spoon or hug his only son...

"I think there are greater days ahead," said Lathan, his wife, Amy, lovingly clutching his unfeeling hand. Nearby, 4-year-old James Lathan III played on grandpa James Sr.'s lap...

He ultimately may get off the ventilator that has sustained him for the past six months, but he isn't expected to regain much more feeling or function in his body.

Lathan said his personal sacrifice has not changed his feelings about military service or the U.S. role in Iraq.

"Once you put your name on the dotted line, it's your duty to follow orders," he said. "When the president says 'Go,' you go."

He urged continued public support for the troops in Iraq, who now include his younger brother, a truck driver for a Nebraska Reserve unit. Aside from being an infantryman, trucking is the toughest job over there, Lathan said.

He also urged support for paralyzed vets, saying he would like to become "a soldier for the cause of people like me."

Lathan will remain at the Omaha VA Hospital while his family is trained in home care. He hopes by the end of this month to move into a handicapped-accessible apartment and later to a new home. Commercial Federal Bank locations are accepting donations from people wishing to help the family get settled.

***Another perspective is on the ArmyTimes.com under the title Omaha soldier describes experiences in Iraq. http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-comnews-584324.php

My prayers will go out that some Lathan does get off the ventilator, sooner then later.

I pray for all our man in arms way and have been helping them coup with being there by giving and working to find donations of archery equipment. We have stocked Camp Cuervo in Baghdad with enough stuff. that any soldier wanting to take up archery can. It give them a place to get away and enjoy a good hobby woth there Brothers at Arms

The Hood
supporting Member of Camp Cuervo Archery Club Baghdad, Iraq

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