Amputee Marine returns to combat duty

LA Times ^ | David Zucchino

[pissant]

A year after Cpl. Garrett Jones lost his left leg to a bomb in Iraq, he has rejoined his unit in Afghanistan. Improved medical care and prostheses -- and his determination -- made it possible.

CAMP BARBER, AFGHANISTAN --

Just over a year ago, Cpl. Garrett Jones was one of thousands of Marines slogging through a tour of duty in Iraq. Today, he is deployed with the same unit in Afghanistan, but he serves now with an unusual distinction.

On July 23, 2007, Jones was on foot patrol near the Iraqi city of Fallouja when he was injured by a roadside bomb. After the attack, his left leg was amputated above the knee. He developed infections and fevers. His weight dropped from 175 pounds to 125. At 21, Jones faced months of painful rehabilitation and a likely end to his service in the Marine Corps.

One year later, Jones is walking smoothly on a prosthetic leg. He not only continues to serve on active duty, but he has worked his way back to a war zone, serving with his Marine battle buddies in Afghanistan.

[pissant]

Wow. Now that is what you call a man.

[pissant]

Ping

[Northern Yankee]

God Bless him!

[BradyLS]

Amen, brother. A genuine man among men. And barely a year from the incident.

[bobby.223]

wow is right, I am at a loss for words right now.

[Labyrinthos]

Gives new meaning to “the Few, the Proud, the Marines.” Thanks for posting.

[TheWasteLand]

That’s one tough dude.

[hole_n_one]

Now that is what you call a man.

You're damn right it is.

[Guenevere]

WOW bttt

[lesser_satan]

That looks like an Otto Bock C-Leg. My company sold them equipment a few years ago, and I know a one-legged Army vet who has one. They have a microprocessor that coordinates the movements of the knee and ankle. The user’s gait is so natural that if they’re wearing long pants you wouldn’t be able to tell they had a prosthetic leg. You can even change the software via USB cable for different activities (walking, running, biking, etc.).

[maine-iac7]

God Bless you, MARINE!

I'm at a loss for words - just incredible. Incredible.

(and michelle obama (doesn't deserve caps) wants us to feel sorry for her man because he was raised by a single mom (which is a lie to boot. michelle, you wouldn't know a REAL man if you tripped over one. Your hubby doesn't deserve to stand in the presence of men like this, let alone be their CIC)

This MARINE has a great life ahead of him. He has the guts to do anything in the wide world he sets his sights on.

[pissant]

He will be busy for the next few months setting his sights on jihadi scum. Thank God.

[Dubya]

[proudmilitarymrs]

A million thank you’s Cpl Jones!!

My family and I are eternally thankful for you and your ilk.

mrs

[hole_n_one]

Jones said he had to pass medical tests and prove in training that he could walk effectively, get in and out of a Humvee and perform other physical tasks. Once, while in a simulator that mimics a Humvee rolling over, his prosthesis popped off, he said. He reattached it and continued the drill.

Reminds me of the movie Men of Honor.....

[jazusamo]

Wow. Now that is what you call a man.

Big Bump!

[Man50D]

Once, while in a simulator that mimics a Humvee rolling over, his prosthesis popped off, he said. He reattached it and continued the drill.

Be afraid terrorists. Be very afraid.

[wgflyer]

This marine is the poster child for awesome!

[hole_n_one]

For context......

Men of Honor having been inspired by the true story of Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, the first African-American Master Diver in the United States Navy.

[trustandobey]

Our heartfelt thanks to this young man! He and others like him
are why we are free. We are eternally grateful.