Lance Corporal Thomas was injured by an explosive device on October 11, 2010. He sustained major nerve and arterial damage to his right leg. He's had surgery to remove parts of his left leg to repair the right one. His Mom says cards and letters would be most appreciated.
Update: 2/18/2011 email from Mom: Hi and thanks so much for following up on Thomas. We received the cards & letters from OpPAL and thank everyone so much for taking the time to encourage and honor him. I spent hours Christmas morning reading every single card and was moved to tears many times. I am so thankful for the many people across our great country that offer their support to us.
I'm not sure when we met if I explained his injury, so if you'll bear with me I'll share. Thomas' right femoral artery was severed by a roadside bomb while on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan. Because of the excellent training and care of the corpsman in the field, the British helicopter medical personnel, and the doctors and hospital staff along the way, he is walking today on two legs, not one. I still cry when I think of all the young men I saw at the Naval Hospital who suffered the loss of multiple limbs. Our life has been radically changed by this experience but nowhere near what these brave young men and their families continue to endure.
Thomas is back at his base, under the medical care of the doctors there. The pain is being managed by monthly nerve blocks in combination with meds. He is making excellent progress with physical therapy although he still has no feeling in his right foot from damage to nerves in the upper leg. He hopes to make a 100% recovery in time and continue with his career in the Corps.
Thomas's battalion, 2nd Battalion/9th Marines, lost 11 incredibly brave Marines in the deserts of Afghanistan, including his Sergeant that died beside him. He's excited that his unit is returning from Afghanistan soon and his buddies will be back, but struggling still with the loss.
Please continue to daily lift him and all of our Marines in prayer and continue to support them and their families. It means so much to us!!
Denise ~ His VERY Proud Mom
Update: 11/5/2011 from Mom: "October marked one year since the injury and he's come a long way. He was just released from scheduled physical therapy appointments but continues PT on his own at the gym several times per week. He will be reassessed by the neurologist in December and we expect will remain on limited duty.
His battalion is deploying for Afghanistan again in December but he will not be going back with them. He will be medically discharged from the Corps. He started college classes last semester at the base and has continued with classes this semester. He is looking forward to completing his education when released from the Corps.
Please thank everyone for the encouraging words. They carried us both through some very challenging times and have been greatly appreciated!
GOD Bless ~ Denise"
Mom says it's time to take him off of our list so we will do so, but we will still keep the whole family in our thoughts and prayers. Best of luck in college Thomas!
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Date added to program: 11/4/2010
Date removed from program: 11/5/2011
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