TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Remembering Those Who Served

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2007

Updated: 12/17/2007 09:33 pm

UNIVERSITY AREA - Retired Navy Capt. Bob Silah looked out among the rows of MacDill Air Force Base dignitaries and their spouses seated at the tables before him.

"We must never forget how much we owe them," said the chairman of the Tampa chapter of the Military Officers Association of America's Operation Helping Hand.
Silah was not referring, however, to those high-ranking officers who have sacrificed so many years and dedicated themselves to protecting the United States. He was speaking of the wounded troops undergoing treatment in the spinal cord unit of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center.

The patients, many with severe blast injuries, were the guests of honor at the Christmas dinner Thursday in the center's dining room, hosted by Operation Helping Hand.

"Let us pay honor and respect to our men and women who have served and paid such prices," said Veterans Affairs chaplain George Sadler, who gave the invocation. "And, we must thank you, Lord, for the love and hearts of these people who reach out and offer a helping hand."

Prior to the dinner that fed about 280 invitees, Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee handed out ball caps, and Operation Helping Hand volunteers presented bouquets of roses, handmade lap blankets and goodie bags to the patients, close to a dozen seated in wheelchairs among family members, doctors and other caregivers at the center.

Army Pfc. Jim White, 41, of Shelton, Wash., was one of the first recipients. While on security patrol in Arab Jabour, Iraq, on Aug. 18, the Humvee he was riding in backed over a hidden improvised explosive device.

"My body literally caught on fire, and I had broken bones sticking out on my legs," said White, whose legs were trapped in the rubble around him. "I don't ask God for much, but I said: 'I need you to help me get out of here. If not, I have a daughter in Seattle who'll be without a father.' "

He remembered suddenly hearing a calming voice say to him, "Don't quit." With that, he somehow managed to free himself and get to the ground, where he rolled over and over to extinguish the flames that engulfed 80 percent of his body.

He was flown to Baghdad, then to Germany and from there went to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he spent two months at its burn center. Doctors performed a series of skin grafts from his abdomen and back to replace what was too badly damaged to save on his legs.

White was transferred about a month and a half ago to the Tampa VA medical center's spinal cord unit, known for its state-of-the-art polytrauma program. He's undergone extensive occupational, physical and psychological therapy

"This is a great place. They just know how to cheer you up and keep you going," said White, who may also have nerve-grafting surgery to repair the nerve damage in his legs.

Although some doctors have told him he'll never be able to return to active duty, he remains optimistic that he'll be reunited with his war buddies.

"The people I've served with are some of the greatest guys I've ever met," said White, who enlisted in 2005.

He knows he has a long road ahead before he's back on his feet. He's scheduled to return to San Antonio in January for further burn treatment. Through it all, he remains positive.

"I've always loved America, but I love it even more now, especially seeing how the kids in Iraq have nothing," said White, who throughout the evening gave away many of the items in his goodie bag to the children who happened to pass by.

Army Spc. Candice Reed of Grand Rapids, Minn., suffered several debilitating injuries while serving as a mechanic in Ramadi, Iraq. Although she preferred not to discuss the details of her health issues, she said she suffers from osteoporosis and chronic pain.

Reed was grateful for the evening's festivities and the volunteers' generosity but was cautious when people who saw her in a wheelchair wanted to shake her hand. Even minor vibrations around her or someone's pat on the back can trigger major discomfort.

Although Marine Corps Sgt. Quincy Manzano, 26, of Miami, hasn't served overseas, he suffered two herniated disks during a training session at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He's undergoing treatment in the spinal cord injury unit that helps him manage his pain without narcotics.

"My mom always taught me to be positive, and with all the help and support I'm getting here, I'm hoping I can stay that way," he said.

Since its inception in 2004, Operation Helping Hand has served 275 patients and their families during its monthly dinners at the center. The organization also provides monetary assistance, as well as free phone cards, gift certificates and discounts on car rentals, gas, amusement parks and restaurants. It is a major contributor to the Fisher House, an on-campus facility near the spinal cord unit for families to stay while their loved ones receive treatment.

The organization welcomes contributions. Checks may be made payable to MOAA Operation Helping Hand and mailed to P.O. Box 6383, MacDill AFB, FL 33608-0383.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT