Update
Jefferson soldier injured
BY CARA HOST, Staff writer
http://www.observer-reporter.com/285923175250537.bsp
A soldier from Jefferson was shot in the neck last Friday while fighting near Mosul, Iraq.
Sgt. Daniel Lama, a member of the Army's 25th Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade, was hit by sniper fire while his unit was patrolling the area, according to the soldier's uncle, Carl Lama of Newell.
"It was a bad wound, but through the grace of God, he's still with us," Carl Lama said. "It's almost like a miracle."
Daniel Lama is now recovering in a military hospital in Fort Lewis, Wash., where his unit is headquartered. The bullet apparently missed major arteries as well as his spine, Carl Lama said.
The soldier's parents, Daniel and Connie Lama, traveled to visit their son and were not available for comment Wednesday and Thursday.
Carl Lama spoke with his nephew by telephone and said that Daniel Lama was in good spirits despite his injury.
"I'm so proud of him. In my eyes, he's my hero," Carl Lama said.
Daniel Lama graduated in 1999 from Waynesburg Central High School. He has been in Iraq since October and was due to be discharged from active duty last March, but the military extended his enlistment.
"He's a good kid. I think he feels it's his duty to serve," Carl Lama said.
Carl Lama did not know if any others were injuried or killed during the incident last Friday.
Because of medical privacy laws, the Army does not typically provide specific information about wounded service members.
Amazing. America produces heroes like France produces cowards. Where one hero like LTC Kurilla falls, two more heroes yet unnamed will stand to take his place. This is why many in the world hate the United States of America.