Category: Support the troops

We talked about Daniel Rodriguez, a wounded veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, last month when he began playing for Clemson after dealing with his war wounds and his PTS. Apparently, he’s been nominated for the 2012 USAA Athletic Inspiration Award for Courage in Sports for keeping a promise to his fallen comrade;

Clemson sent a waiver to the NCAA which cleared in April of this year, allowing Daniel – a 24-year-old freshman – to make his football debut in Clemson’s first game on September 1, a 26-19 win over Auburn.

Daniel continues to use his past experiences and promises as his motivation. “I don’t think you should shut out what has changed you in life,” he said. “So, it’s unfair for me to shut out what I’ve been through. I think that’s what catapults me beyond what I’m trying to achieve because I’m using the hardships, the horrors, the killing, the friends that I’ve lost as my fuel.”

For those of you who aren’t sociopaths and can get to Facebook, support Daniel or one of the other three veterans nominated at this link.

Thanks to Jeff for the link.

Parachute Cutie tells us that SPC Chris Levy, a Ranger who lost both of his legs in a roadside bombing four years ago is trying to locate the medic who triaged him that day. You guys are so good at finding stuff, I figured I’d make your project today. Whoever finds the medic gets an especially rude Ranger Up T-shirt of your own choosing.

Your only clues to find the medic;

“Army Ranger SPC Chris Levi is looking to connect with a Medic named Gonzalez who triaged him on 17 March 2008 when he was gravely injured in exercise outside Sadr City Iraq (lost both legs). Location he was at was 4,5 and 6th RTB. Injured 17 March 2008. Injured outside FOB LOYALTY. Chris is from Holbrook NY. Google his name-lots of press. Can you help me spread this request?”

Here is a story about Levy when his wheelchair came up missing – it has since been recovered.

From Army.mil comes the story of Sgt. Michael Wazelle, a recruiter at the Sacramento Recruiting Battalion who happened upon an accident and took immediate action;

Wazelle noticed that the driver [of an overturned truck] had not been wearing a seatbelt and had been tossed around the cab during the crash. “He had lacerations on his face and hands, he also had a large bump and about a four-inch long gash on the back of his head,” said Wazelle. “He was incoherent and couldn’t even tell me what month it was.”

Wazelle said he did what he could for the driver. “I’m pretty sure he had a concussion and was definitely in shock,” said Wazelle. “I just did my best to keep him immobilized and make him comfortable.” The basic first-aid helped, as Wazelle said that the driver slowly was able to relax a little and became more coherent by the time paramedics arrived.

Once the paramedics were on scene, Wazelle continued to help out by keeping the driver’s neck immobilized. Since the driver was also a “rather large man,” Wazelle helped the paramedics get him out of the truck and onto a board and then helped carry him from the awkwardly positioned truck and ditch.

When asked if he felt that his military training gave him an edge to stop and help, Wazelle replied, “Definitely.”

This was not the first time Wazelle has had to apply military-taught emergency first aid. He has had to call upon his Army training to apply first-aid to fellow soldiers in the field while he was deployed to Iraq.

Chief Tango sends us a link to the story of Sgt. James Bennett who was home on leave when duty called;

He was on leave in January when he and his father, J.D., witnessed a fiery car crash in Fresno. They pulled a 2-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl from the burning car. The children’s parents did not survive.

“Me and my dad you know, it’s just a natural reaction. You just see somebody struggling and you help out. I mean that’s what you’re supposed to do. Anybody should do it, and that’s what we did that night,” said Bennett.

The Army awarded Sgt. Bennett the Soldiers Medal, the highest award for valor not in combat.

I know some of you women out there love those Things Remembered stores, well, they sent us a reminder that they’re sending stuff to special troops this holiday season. So if you want to nominate your “special troop” for the opportunity to get free stuff, here’s how;

This holiday season, you can nominate a member of the military to receive some very special gifts. From August 13 through September 11, Patriot Day, Things Remembered will be collecting names of active duty service members to be featured gift recipients during the 2012 holiday season.

Nominations can be made by visiting Facebook.com/ThingsRemembered.

Once the nomination process is complete, three nominees will be chosen for each Things Remembered store location. Shoppers who don’t have a deployed service member to honor this holiday will be able to purchase gifts for one of their store’s featured members. Any purchase made from October 29 through November 20 and sent to a featured service member – or any other active duty member – will receive a 25 percent discount on both the product and engraving, plus free shipping.

“The work of our United States military is something that should be commended every day,” said Amy Myers, Vice President of Creative Services for Things Remembered. “But during the holidays, when many service members cannot be with their families, it’s even more important to recognize their contributions to keeping this country safe and secure.

“That’s why this year, we are trying to make it a bit easier to send a personal message to members of the armed forces. We hope that by offering free shipping and 25 percent discounts on all engraved gifts sent to military bases, more people will be able to send special messages of appreciation, and express the true gratitude in their hearts.”

Nominations will be accepted from August 13 through September 11, Patriot Day, at facebook.com/ThingsRemembered. For a complete listing of store locations and available products, visit ThingsRemembered.com.

Old Trooper and one of our ninjas sent us a link to the Fox News story about Kid Rock, in conjunction with nonprofit Operation Finally Home and representatives from Pulte Homes, gave Sgt. Davin Dumar and his wife Dana free house, fully furnished and nearly completed.

A wounded war veteran and his wife looking for a new house in Michigan were in for a surprise when they walked into a model home and found their friends, family and musician Kid Rock waiting inside.

“First of all, welcome home,” Rock said. “You are going to receive a fully-furnished home, top to bottom. Thank you for your service.”

From the Detroit News;

Dumar, who lost a leg and injured his arm while serving in Afghanistan last year, was selected by the Texas-based nonprofit Operation Finally Home, which has been building homes for soldiers wounded in war for seven years. Wallrath met Rock, who convinced him to come to Michigan.

Wallrath, a custom builder for 30 years, decided he wanted to give back to those who sacrifice for their country. The organization has built 50 homes in 11 states.

It amazes me to no end how far some in the entertainment industry have come since the 60s. Thanks, Kid Rock. I forgive you for the way you treated Joe Dirt.