Posted on 06/08/2005 7:44:00 AM PDT by Names Ash Housewares
Hero.
Wounded soldier eager to re-enlist
June 7, 2005 — He survived a bombing in Iraq and lost his leg. But a local soldier says he wants to re-enlist. Sergeant Jerrod Fields from south Chicago returned home Tuesday from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Fields now uses a prosthetic leg to get around.
"It's something I knew I had to do and get over with," said Sgt. Jerrod fields, 3rd Infantry Division.
His sister, cousin and grandmother all call him a hero.
"I'm very proud of my brother. He did what a lot of people wouldn't have done. He went and he served his country," said Shantae Coakes, sister.
Fields flew into Midway Monday from Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. He had been in Iraq For just one month when a bomb hit him and his fellow soldiers in their vehicle in February.
"When I looked down at my leg I told God I still have faith, and I grabbed my Bible and everything, and from there, he just took me. There was no more pain," Fields said.
Despite the tragic loss of his left leg, Fields believes that his prayer and faith helped spare his fellow troops from injury. He was able to continue to drive around other bombs.
"As I was getting around the vehicle, I seen more of them, so when I seen that, I got back in and drove around and drove two or three miles without my leg," said Fields.
It's not stopping him from continuing to serve his country. Fields says he requested to stay in the Army and that he will not be discharged.
Fields' grandmother does not agree with the war in Iraq.
"There's so many getting injured and killed over there, it would just be good if all of them could come home," said Flora Turnbo, grandmother.
But she says she supports her grandson's passion.
Fields says his amputation will not stop him from pursuing other dreams. He also wants to one day be a physical therapist for the Army.
"I have my family and everybody to support me so my spirits are high," Fields said.
Fields also says he can even run on his prosthetic leg. He is a graduate of the Carver Military Academy and will be honored at their graduation ceremonies on Friday.
He is a Hero , It's for sure he's not in it for the money .
Ditto! And not only may God bless him, God HAS blessed us by giving us such examples of faith and courage. I am in awe of his strength. Oh dear; starting to cry now. Time for another donation to USO.
Thank you, and God bless you, Sgt. Jerrod.
Thank you for your service! You are my hero!!!
ABC just had to get in that grandma doesn't agree with the war. They just can talk about this hero without that.
"ABC just had to get in that grandma doesn't agree with the war. They just can talk about this hero without that."
Maybe someday she will understand that he fights today so her grandkids will not have to fight a far worse war in the future.
He will continue to bless you for your faith!
Thank you for your service. You are a true hero!
I love theses posts of inspiration. Thanks.
They'd be showing bias if they didn't report what the grandmother said.
Maybe someday she will understand . . .
What, when she grows up?
It is amazing what the power of prayer and a heart of gold can accomplish.
Damn, this is one tough kid. That kind of courage is bound to take him far in life. I expect he'll far exceed his dream of being a physical therapist for the Army.
"Maybe someday she will understand . . ."
"What, when she grows up?"
I did say "maybe" ;)
Lets do our best to make sure her grandkids will understand.
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