FORTUNATE ONE Wounded Stafford soldier overwhelmed by support

The Free Lance-Star ^ | 19 Feb 06 | CATHY DYSON

[leadpenny]

Photos with the story.

[endthematrix]

I'm eternally grateful for his service, and sorry for his injury, but if he's he's not having complicated medical issues, why should he be compensated as such? There are plenty of past, current and future service personnel not getting just compensation for there injuries.

Do have have to don the flame suit?

[endthematrix]

That said, does this "medical retirement" even apply to his injuries, or compensation because he will not have the opportunity to serve a full career? If that's the case, what is the claim to be made for any young soldier unfortunate to get injured and no continue with a military career and how often is "medical retirement" given?

[leadpenny]

What is he getting that you take issue with?

[Old Sarge]

If he had a right thumb that worked, he believes that maybe he could fly helicopters as he always dreamed.
He'd have to clear mounds of military red tape to be reactivated. He's already started asking about the possibility.
"Nobody said I could," he said, "but nobody said I couldn't."

Seems to me, that if we have one-legged paratroopers, and one-eyed marksmen, we can have a one-thumbed pilot.

This is a man with a good attitude. A once-and-future soldier.

[leadpenny]

I love the part where wants to get back in the Army to fly choppers.

I've quit wondering where we find guys like this.

[endthematrix]

Read #3. I don't know exactly because I'm not familiar with militarily benefits. Rereading, I'm assuming it's compensation for lost wages, which I don't necessarily have a problem with, if it's offered across the board in similar circumstances. I first understood that he'd be getting better medical benefits (maybe the case?) because technically he's put more time in. That IMO would be unfair for others if this guy has no complicated medical issues as the article seems to point out.

[leadpenny]

Someone else will have to answer your questions. I'm one of the so called lucky ones who has no experience with compensation for injuries received. But I am somewhat stupified that anyone would question what the wounded, the fallen, and their families receive for paying such a high price themselves.

[MJY1288]

You might want to brush it off at least...

This guy spent 8 months at Walter Reed, and as someone who has been there dozens of times handing out Phone cards and whatever else they might need. Walter Reed is not a Country Club for slackers wanting to get over on the Military.

IMHO we owe them all we can give them

[endthematrix]

"But I am somewhat stupified that anyone would question what the wounded, the fallen, and their families receive for paying such a high price themselves."

It's what others may NOT be receiving. Benefits are finite. There are plenty in serious medical need. This soldier sacrificed for sure, but I don't want the benefits taken from another if he isn't in need. Kinda like tying up 911 with false alarms. I hope I've clearly made my case with no disrespect.

[MJY1288]

"That IMO would be unfair for others if this guy has no complicated medical issues as the article seems to point out."

8 Months at Walter Reed = major medical issues. Those beds at Walter Reed are not for outpatients. I don't know the extent of his injuries, but I will bet the rent that the Military did not afford him a bed there for 8 Months if he was suffering from a severe head cold

[endthematrix]

He's lucky that he's alive. I wish him the best in his pursuit of happiness.

[MJY1288]

Ditto that!

[leadpenny]

Many know I'm FR's #1 Imus fan and I make no apologies for it. Two of his critter regulars are McCain and Hayworth. He accompanied McCain to Walter Reed about a year ago and says it had a profound and lasting effect on him. Through McCain, Hayworth and others, Imus had a huge impact on the bill that increased combat death benefits to $100,000 after congress had patted themselves on the back for increasing it from $6,000 to $12,000. Now, Imus, and the folks at MSNBC are involved with the fallenheroesfund.org. That organization is building a privately funded rehabilitation facility at Brooke Army Medical Center. Bank of America - Texas gave $1,000,000 to it on Friday.

[MJY1288]

I believe the Death Benefit is $400,000 now, But I could be wrong

[leadpenny]

Even better. I hadn't heard that.

[Berlin_Freeper]

Have youse noticed that deaths of our Brave Troops is way down, yet there are no news stories about it?

That says a lot right there. Shame on the LibIdiot Media.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Great post! We've met men like Richard Hursh Friday nights at the gates of WRAMC while countering the lies of Code Pink.
Every generation has been called to stand on the wall and defend our freedoms. Our fathers may have been of the greatest generation but this generation ain't no slouch.

As for endthematrix's comments, Richard Hursh is somewhat embarrassed by the money he has received as he has made it home while his friends did not. Thankfully, he does not consider himself a victim and has future plans for moving forward. I consider the money that he has received a worthy investment in the future of this country to which he has already contributed much.

[armydawg1]

Give the guy a break. He earned every thing we can give him.

God bless him and all the rest who work to protect our freedoms.

[leadpenny]

These kinds of stories are in many newspapers around the country and they never fail to inspire me. The Free Lance-Star does a good job.