View Full Version : PS.Com Moderator & Special Forces soldier WIA...
I also missed this post - can't think how.
I just followed the entire thread through to your last run. Wow! I am truly awed and inspired at your courage and your spirit. I thank God for men like you. You are truly an inspiration. Let me add my prayers and best wishes for your future. (I'll think of you the next time my RA starts up; and I start bitching and getting grumpy - a lesson in humility - and perseverance! Thank you and may God bless you!)
DJ Urbanovsky
07-26-2013, 11:34
Crip, you are a beacon for the rest of us.
Surgicalcric
10-13-2013, 10:52
Well it's been almost a year (14 Oct 2012) since my initial injury and 18 days left til my alive date (28 Oct 2012). Honestly I cannot believe it's been almost a year since I looked down and thought, "fuck, that was an IED! Oh well, guess I gotta do something."
I was asked recently by a high school educator, "what makes someone not quit? What makes them pick themselves up and drive on after having their legs knocked out from under them?" She didnt know I was an amputee at the time but talk about taking a pause for a little introspection. My answer, personally I think it is any number of reasons: personal drive, the way you were raised from childhood, dedication to those around you whether they be family or team mates, situation you are in at the time, pride, etc... But no matter your reason they all share one thing in common, the decision point where you do something about it. For me there was really never a question - I never gave the idea of quitting any thought. Pain can often become debilitating if not dealt with to the point that I have watched people ask (Walter Reed's ICU and in theater) to die because they were in so much pain.
I don't understand it. Maybe I just wasn't in that much pain. I put a TQ on my left leg, made certain my battle rifle was in battery, moved into cover, and started tending to my jacked up pelvis/perineum all the while giving my team sergeant directions to where I was, after calling "eagle down" over the net. In talking to my team sergeant it is guesstimated that between the blast site and the CCP inside the VSP I lost somewhere in the neighborhood of 2-2.5 liters of my blood volume before hemostasis was gained on my pelvic bleeders. All the while I am talking to my team mates, directing the setting out of security, hanging IV fluids and prepping the FAST IO injector for use on me, giving destruction plan directions, and explaining the combinations on the safes where the 1208 money and extra narcs were stored. Intermingled with taking care of business I was telling jokes and explaining to my Sr Weapons guy, who was clearly bothered by what happened to me and what he was watching happen to me with regards to treatment, to toughen the fuck up and I would be back later that night - a joke referencing back two weeks with my getting caught making my own flight plans to get back with my team after my first IED encounter.
Looking back, laying down and accepting others treating me while still capable of helping those helping would have been me quitting - that's not anything I was ready to do. About training we often repeat the axiom about falling back to our lowest level of proficiency under duress - I wish everyone could have understand t the way some if us do.
So stand I here almost a year and 47 surgeries later readying myself to step "Unto the Breech" once more. To that end I am in the gym 3-4x week, running 3x week, and rucking twice. I took a diagnostic APFT a couple days ago: 78 p/u, 68 s/u (after having to put my leg back on -gotta fix that sweating/slipping issue), and a 15:05 run. My 12 mile ruck time was 3hrs 14min. Looks like I will begin clearing WRNMMC on or about 20 Oct with a report date at 7th SFG(A) around 01 Nov 2013. I am so looking forward to being back with like-minded individuals, other SF soldiers and actually having a training center with a series of SMEs in various disciplines to assist me with getting to the next level in my recovery.
Quitting can be found between losing and winning for those looking for it.
So stand I here...
Quitting can be found between losing and winning for those looking for it.
I rise and salute you brother. :lifter
Fuckin' A Crip ..... DRIVE ON MAN !!!!!!
:lifter :lifter :lifter
Badger52
10-13-2013, 11:28
Awesomeness.
:lifter
I smile every time you update. Keep kicking ass J.
Brother Thanks for this post. Nice news and the spirit in which us military will push ourselves while others will lay down and quit.
Never quit brother. . Thanks for the motivation!!!
mojaveman
10-13-2013, 12:00
Congradulations on your recovery Surgicalcric.
May the force be with you. ;)
In my opinion, Chester Nimitz's quote, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue," surely applies to your experiences in this last year. I am proud to know you.
Unapologetic Soldier
10-13-2013, 12:57
My best wishes go out to you and your family.
x SF med
10-13-2013, 13:16
Well it's been almost a year (14 Oct 2012) since my initial injury and 18 days left til my alive date (28 Oct 2012). Honestly I cannot believe it's been almost a year since I looked down and thought, "fuck, that was an IED! Oh well, guess I gotta do something."
I was asked recently by a high school educator, "what makes someone not quit? What makes them pick themselves up and drive on after having their legs knocked out from under them?" She didnt know I was an amputee at the time but talk about taking a pause for a little introspection. My answer, personally I think it is any number of reasons: personal drive, the way you were raised from childhood, dedication to those around you whether they be family or team mates, situation you are in at the time, pride, etc... But no matter your reason they all share one thing in common, the decision point where you do something about it. For me there was really never a question - I never gave the idea of quitting any thought. Pain can often become debilitating if not dealt with to the point that I have watched people ask (Walter Reed's ICU and in theater) to die because they were in so much pain.
I don't understand it. Maybe I just wasn't in that much pain. I put a TQ on my left leg, made certain my battle rifle was in battery, moved into cover, and started tending to my jacked up pelvis/perineum all the while giving my team sergeant directions to where I was, after calling "eagle down" over the net. In talking to my team sergeant it is guesstimated that between the blast site and the CCP inside the VSP I lost somewhere in the neighborhood of 2-2.5 liters of my blood volume before hemostasis was gained on my pelvic bleeders. All the while I am talking to my team mates, directing the setting out of security, hanging IV fluids and prepping the FAST IO injector for use on me, giving destruction plan directions, and explaining the combinations on the safes where the 1208 money and extra narcs were stored. Intermingled with taking care of business I was telling jokes and explaining to my Sr Weapons guy, who was clearly bothered by what happened to me and what he was watching happen to me with regards to treatment, to toughen the fuck up and I would be back later that night - a joke referencing back two weeks with my getting caught making my own flight plans to get back with my team after my first IED encounter.
Looking back, laying down and accepting others treating me while still capable of helping those helping would have been me quitting - that's not anything I was ready to do. About training we often repeat the axiom about falling back to our lowest level of proficiency under duress - I wish everyone could have understand t the way some if us do.
So stand I here almost a year and 47 surgeries later readying myself to step "Unto the Breech" once more. To that end I am in the gym 3-4x week, running 3x week, and rucking twice. I took a diagnostic APFT a couple days ago: 78 p/u, 68 s/u (after having to put my leg back on -gotta fix that sweating/slipping issue), and a 15:05 run. My 12 mile ruck time was 3hrs 14min. Looks like I will begin clearing WRNMMC on or about 20 Oct with a report date at 7th SFG(A) around 01 Nov 2013. I am so looking forward to being back with like-minded individuals, other SF soldiers and actually having a training center with a series of SMEs in various disciplines to assist me with getting to the next level in my recovery.
Quitting can be found between losing and winning for those looking for it.
Crip - 28 Oct and 11-14Nov are dates that will hold a lot of memories for me - but this year 28 Oct will be 'interesting' not only your Alive date, but it is the scheduled Memorial at Ft. Lewis for COL John "Skip" Sadler, who passed on 6 Oct at age 89, one of the fathers of Special Operations. Celebrations of life will be in order that day, for you and him.
Keep on Keeping on my Brother... kick ass and take names.
The Reaper
10-13-2013, 14:34
Crip:
You done good, hermano.
Way to fight the good fight.
TR
full cooler
10-13-2013, 15:20
James,
Your combination of courage and class is truly an inspiration. It's great to see you are progressing so well.
Mike
It' been said here before but it bears repeating, YOU are an inspiration to all. Our country needs men like you, and I am thankful and grateful that men like you exist.
Roguish Lawyer
10-13-2013, 17:41
I am thinking about changing my name to Speechless Lawyer. That was awesome bro.
Team Sergeant
10-13-2013, 17:49
That's what being SF is all about, never quit.
Well done brother, well done.
Be tough now, while you're young, because as you age, the toughness fades away.
I had on flipflops and got hit on a pinky toe last week by a scorpion, and my next door neighbor said that when I yelled, it sounded like a niney-year old woman screaming at the top of her lungs while blowing a foghorn. :D
Team Sergeant
10-13-2013, 18:02
Be tough now, while you're young, because as you age, the toughness fades away.
I had on flipflops and got hit on a pinky toe last week by a scorpion, and my next door neighbor said that when I yelled, it sounded like a niney-year old woman screaming at the top of her lungs while blowing a foghorn. :D
Sissy....;)
I got stung about 5 years ago by a bark scorpion while dead asleep, made no sound but captured the creature and placed it in the microwave. (Never sting the Team Sergeant while he's sleeping....)
Sissy....;)
I got stung about 5 years ago by a bark scorpion while dead asleep, made no sound but captured the creature and placed it in the microwave. (Never sting the Team Sergeant while he's sleeping....)
Yeah, well, you were asleep. I was wide awake. :D
...captured the creature and placed it in the microwave...)
Did it taste like chicken? :D
Pat
You will never come to truly know the lives you have touched and enriched through your perseverance. There are some that have been motivated to push through limits they never thought possible. Truly motivational....
Drive on , Warrior!
Folks ask why I love and miss the Army/SF so much. I just smile at 'em, they'll never understand.
Quitting can be found between losing and winning for those looking for it.
In all things, big and small. Well put, brother.
captured the creature and placed it in the microwave.
I cut the sticker off and send them on their limited way :D
47 surgeries would beat down most, Impressive doc!
Bill Harsey
10-14-2013, 07:36
James,
incredible job keeping a strong positive outlook and driving on.
I know this stuff isn't easy.
All the very best.
You are an inspiration. As long as America has men like you, she will be fine.
Keep up the fight Brave Warrior!!! You are truly an Inspiration!:lifter
Holly and sis.
Very inspirational Crip. Hang tough!
x SF med
10-14-2013, 09:37
Folks ask why I love and miss the Army/SF so much. I just smile at 'em, they'll never understand.
Ain't that the Truth, Brother.
It's right up there with "Why did you join SF?" the correct answer being, "Because I could."
Barbarian
10-14-2013, 10:56
Crip,
I'm glad you're doing so well, though, I am not surprised that you are. You continue to be in my prayers.
Red Flag 1
10-14-2013, 11:21
Well done, Crip! Your road has not been an easy one, but it has been inspiring. As said before, you have moved the bar up, on two distinct planes. It is so good to see a friend do so well.
RF 1
J
James:
Can't believe the progress you've made in only a year. I still remember seeing you come around the corner of your hallway only 2 months post injury walking on your own. Your recovery is nothing short of a testament to the kind of man and soldier you are. If your trip to Eglin passes through NC here in a few weeks maybe we can catch up. Keep working hard.
11Ber
ZonieDiver
10-14-2013, 14:03
Stay strong, Brother.
I am awed and humbled by your "never say die" mindset and dogged perseverance. Keep up the good fight, watch your back, and I will keep you in my prayers!
Congratulations and well done. A true testament to how much mental toughness matters.
Golf1echo
10-14-2013, 19:18
Crip it has been an honor to get to know you. When you first contacted me you were looking for ways to support your Team, I have come to know you as a consummate professional through our discussions and interactions. You are one of the rare people who lead, inspire, and motivate people by example not word. Through out your own personal challenges you continued to reach out to help and forward others. It has been a privilege to cross your path and humbling to know there are men such as yourself. I reflect on the challenges I face and find strength in knowing your example. I thank you Sir and the very Best to you and yours!
" Either you never met failure or don't care much for the bastard."
Saturation
10-15-2013, 08:25
I will hold out hope that one day you may consider writing about your experience for the masses. Your strength and resolve is something lacking throughout society and I wish could be heard in many more hearts/minds.
Stargazer
10-15-2013, 11:58
You are a testament to the power of personal fortitude. Wishing you continued strength and successful...
FlagDayNCO
10-16-2013, 07:45
Thank you for the update and the inspiration to us all. You are someone that not only has the will to exceed, but also someone who shares his strength with others. Your Team and SF are stronger because of men such as yourself.
My time in 20SFG was among the best times of my life; made better as I served with such men.
I am happy to hear you are doing so well and your return to working among SF Brothers again.
Monsoon65
10-16-2013, 20:25
Thanks for the follow-up and the great news!! :o
Old Dog New Trick
10-16-2013, 20:45
Thanks for the update Crip, it's great to hear how you are continuing on...
I don't know if you can know, but I think of you often and tell others about you and what you've done after this.
In the words of Willie Nelson, you are always on my mind...:)
Stay strong brother! :lifter
You didn't say what the teacher said or what it took to pick her jaw up off the floor after her metaphor was reality...:D
Thoughts and prayers are with you Crip.....
Brother it's been a year and you have amazed myself and many others. God speed on your recovery in your life endeavors.
x SF med
10-28-2013, 08:16
A year today, Brother... and you ran 10 miles last weekend. Friggin amazing.
Surgicalcric
10-28-2013, 09:44
Fuckers beat me to it...
1 year ago today at 07:09 EST (15:39 local time)...
Stand I here stronger emotionally and mentally than before and more determined than ever to not let anything get in the way of my goals.
I owe x SF med and LibraryLady the most. Without you guys willingness to put your personal loves (not lives but love) on hold I would not be where I am. Thank you.
And thanks to everyone else here as well. The cards, texts, phone calls, visits, gifts, etc meant so much that its difficult to say thanks enough.
Crip
TrapperFrank
10-28-2013, 10:35
God bless you, it was the highlight of the 20th SFG(A) 50th Anniversary meeting you.
Happy Alive Day my friend, I give thanks daily.
Keep kicking ass J.
Ambush Master
10-28-2013, 19:12
Brother.............James.............Crip !!!
You have BEATEN THE ODDS, if there ARE Odds for Those of US that not just "Step Outside of the Box", but charge PAST IT!!! Plus, you have made ALL OF US, Proud to be a part of this WITH/FOR YOU!! You've Brought Not Only Pride in, but Respect to, the Regiment by your actions & attitude!!
Please don't ever forget to give me a day or so, Heads Up, when you, or YOUR'S, are coming through DFW!!
In closing, I wasn't sure how it would be received when I addressed'ya as "Crip" after the "Incident"!! True to form, YOU, have accepted what it is and HAVE Dealt with it!!
Thoughts AND Prayers are with'ya Brother!!
Do take Care!!
Martin
Golf1echo
10-28-2013, 21:13
Making the azimuth adjustment now ...LARS, salute, and Cheers my friend, hope to see you soon :lifter :lifter :lifter
x SF med
10-29-2013, 08:57
Fuckers beat me to it...
1 year ago today at 07:09 EST (15:39 local time)...
Stand I here stronger emotionally and mentally than before and more determined than ever to not let anything get in the way of my goals.
I owe x SF med and LibraryLady the most. Without you guys willingness to put your personal loves (not lives but love) on hold I would not be where I am. Thank you.
And thanks to everyone else here as well. The cards, texts, phone calls, visits, gifts, etc meant so much that its difficult to say thanks enough.
Crip
Brother, we've been through this... we chose to answer the calls to be there, family is the strongest bond there is, and you're our family. God put us in a place that we were bale to do what was asked, we did it willingly... we know there is a lot you still need to accomplish, we just don't know the particulars. Being there for your HH6 and mini-me was a big part too.
You'll never know how much you gave us by needing us, we didn't, until we were well into the race...
Don't you have some running to do? You're raising a dust cloud, dammit.
You'll never know how much you gave us by needing us, we didn't, until we were well into the race...
Don't you have some running to do? You're raising a dust cloud, dammit.
:cool:
;) :p
full cooler
10-29-2013, 17:50
James,
You are truly the most inspirational person either Sue or I have had the privilege of meeting. I am looking forward to seeing you again. The vacation at the beach is a forever option. Just let me know when you can make it.
Mike
Brother you're an inspiration for many of us. Glad to keep seeing the updates. True to form of who you are, YOU, have stepped up and dealt with your situation by the horns and ride that bitch down.
Please don't forget to give me a heads up when you are passing through Faystan.
Like Ambush Master said, you took on "Crip" after the "Incident" and while new meaning to your screen name.
Thoughts and Prayers are with'ya Crip. Be safe and Be Brave.
Roguish Lawyer
10-30-2013, 12:46
"Crip" always was about giving shit to a man who would never quit, no matter what. A man who cannot be crippled, only challenged.
x SF med
10-30-2013, 13:31
"Crip" always was about giving shit to a man who would never quit, no matter what. A man who cannot be crippled, only challenged.
Nurses did NOT like me using his nickname, but he was stoned out of his gourd and it was the only thing he'd answer to at the time... when he corrected the situation by telling them, he'd answer to Crip before most other things because he'd had the name so long... well they shied away...
'they' did not understand the true meaning of the nickname in it's entirety.
Umiami2014
11-24-2013, 20:28
Hello all,
I was wondering how the SF soldier who stepped on an IED was doing? Any updates on his recovery? Thanks and God bless him!
V/R,
Joshua
The Reaper
11-24-2013, 21:01
Hello all,
I was wondering how the SF soldier who stepped on an IED was doing? Any updates on his recovery? Thanks and God bless him!
V/R,
Joshua
Did you read post #306?
TR