Posted on 08/10/2006 8:42:10 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
The Marine Corps on Thursday unveiled the first West Coast barracks for Marines and sailors who are wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, an alternative to the often-empty quarters that house many injured troops while their units remain overseas.
The Wounded Warrior Center is the second Marine barracks for the wartime wounded. The first opened last year at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and is run by a Marine colonel who was himself injured in Iraq.
The newest barracks at Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, look like a moderate hotel, with TVs, carpeted hallways, separate bedrooms and sitting areas. Donated handmade quilts bearing patriotic messages drape each bed.
There is an entertainment room with video games and a DVD player.
"We wanted them to have a place where they would be with their fellow warriors," said Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, the commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command. "There is nothing like a warrior to be a role model for another warrior."
Space at the new barracks is limited to 25 troops - certainly not enough to accommodate everyone.
More than 19,000 U.S. military personnel have been injured in Iraq, including 6,195 Marines and 415 sailors as of Aug. 5, according to the Department of Defense. In Afghanistan, 851 U.S. military personnel have been wounded.
The first Marine to move into the Camp Pendeton barracks was Lance Cpl. Joshua Rynders, who was injured in April when a mortar round exploded 10 feet behind him, killing two Marines and injuring 22, including him. He was setting up an observation post for the Iraqi army east of Fallujah.
"I lost 20 percent of my thighs and had a hole in each leg big enough for me to stick my arms through," said Rynders, 20, of McHenry, Ill.
Rynders, who checked in Wednesday, walks with a cane and bumpy scars cover the many mortar fragments still in his body. His leg nerves and muscles are damaged.
The new barracks is quieter than his regiment's quarters, which is near several big-gun ranges.
"You get a lot of constant reminders of the war, there's big explosions and training going on, so it's a little uneasy," Rynders said. "This is kind of secluded from that."
Troops can stay up to 90 days, must be able to bathe themselves and not need a personal helper.
A sniper shot Cpl. Jackson Luna, 23, through the lower back and into the intestines as he put fencing around a patrol base near Ramadi in June. Luna moved into the new barracks Thursday, becoming the second resident. He does not know what to do next or if he will be able to return to active service.
"This is a good place to start thinking about that," Luna said.
I hope these brave and courageous men are also getting guidance and counselling to support them through their recovery and their return - whether back to their service or to us in civilian life. God bless them.
More than 19,000 U.S. military personnel have been injured in Iraq, including 6,195 Marines and 415 sailors as of Aug. 5, according to the Department of Defense. In Afghanistan, 851 U.S. military personnel have been wounded.
The first Marine to move into the Camp Pendeton barracks was Lance Cpl. Joshua Rynders, who was injured in April when a mortar round exploded 10 feet behind him, killing two Marines and injuring 22, including him. He was setting up an observation post for the Iraqi army east of Fallujah.
"I lost 20 percent of my thighs and had a hole in each leg big enough for me to stick my arms through," said Rynders, 20, of McHenry, Ill.
Sad that one cannot read/hear this on the MSM. Instead we get trash like gibson's drunk comments.
"....also getting guidance and counselling to support them...."
the time spent with each other is a welcome respite from an overdose of the above, and worth at least as much as the above, I am sure....
PING
I'm sure you're right. I was only concerned that they not be left there without support and encouragement for their futures, whether it be from their families, each other, or professionals. The last line of the article, from the man who said "This is a good place to think," just worried me a little; I can't even explain why. Sorry.
Would anyone know how to get a hold of the person that runs this program? I am a Executive and Life coach that helps people recover from trauma. I would like to volunteer some time to these guys. Freep mail me if you know. Thanks
Walkingfeather
did a quick search, they may be able to refer you appropriately
check out the Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital web site
http://www.cpen.med.navy.mil/
not sure of the best number to call, you may want to check thru one of those listed here for more info.
http://www.cpen.med.navy.mil/welcome.cfm
thanks i will call tomorrow
Good luck and Thanks!
It would be nice too if we could support these wounded in some way......
Sorry, I don't know how to make it a live link. ;-P
fuzzy type this morn...
My God, these American warriors are incredible.
Ping
At least some of our warriors are getting a bit of tender loving care. So many along with their loved ones are not getting the level of care we would hope they could receive. As many a Freeper can visualize, there are military personel coming home with various levels of ailments that place a huge burden on their families, let along having our service personel placed in a position of no longer having a future to live/work at what most of us consider a normal life.
We have had our Wounded Warrior Barracks at Camp Lejeune for several years.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps paid a visit on November 30th. Photos can be viewed at the below URL:
http://fontman.smugmug.com/gallery/2192921
Thank you for the link and God's Blessings and Healings on all those who have served and sacrificed so much for all of us.
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