And then there’s Gunny Sergeant “Spanky” Gibson:
Gunny Gibson lost his entire leg after an Iraqi sniper fired a round through his knee in Ramadi in 2006 – May 16, 2006 – just 19 months ago. He is the first full leg amputee to be returned to the fight – redeployed as an active marine. This Gunny had been in the marines for 18 years – that is who he is. He said all he wanted to do was get back into the fight. He said returning to Iraq was his first step back to feeling like he was a marine again. He runs half marathons with his prosthetic and it was when he swam in a race from Alcatraz and ended up at the feet of General Mattis out in California. As he emerged from the water General Mattis asked him what he could do for him – he said,
Per the linked article Gen. Mattis granted the Gunny’s wish. He’s back serving in Iraq. Wow!
Jim C
Two words….
one tough mother
I think that one of the things which chaps the Democrats the most, is that our military is entirely a volunteer military. So they can’t b*tch and whine about the cruel American government administration that drafted these poor souls to defend our government and our flag. Our military serves proudly and goes to truly great lengths to do so. I really love them and are grateful to them for that. I wish I could do more. I used to sew for myself, and I wish I could sew the warm flannel boots and mittens that Soldiers’ Angels needs for the injured soldiers being flown to Landstuhl. Hands won’t let me sew any more, but they can still write checks for Valour-IT, and they do.
Marianne
BZ for the Gunny, but the thing that got me about that email from the journalist is that she kept saying Afghanistan when she was obviously in Iraq. Another geographically challenged member of the MSM – and we’re supposed to trust them, right? I wonder what score she would get on the quiz from the next post?
-Run half marathon on prothesis- check
-Swim frigid waters from Alcatraz to San Fran, while dodging sharks- check
-Personally ask the Commandant to be sent back to Iraq to be with his brother Marines- Out-F’n-Standing!
Gunny, you motivate me.
Ooh-rah and Semper Fi, Devil Dog.
Wow.
I think the journo met the Gunny while in Iraq, then she left Iraq to go to Afghanistan. At least that’s the impression I got.
Jim C
Quick somebody send this story to Michelle Obama.
Is it possible to feel proud and humbled at the same time?