Sgt. Richard Marshall
US Army
Deployed to Iraq 3/11/2007
Injured in Baghdad 6/23/2007

 This is a blog journal that I kept during my son-in-law's battle for life after he was injured in Iraq in June of 2007.  This was done to keep family and friends up to date on his condition and progress.
Richards injuries were far more serious than any of us knew or realized at that time.  But we held on to our faith in God and to our belief that he would make it through.....this is just one soldier's story.


Thursday  June 28th 9:10 AM
Saturday June 23rd one of our US Army units was attacked by insurgents in Baghdad using an improvised explosive device (IED) and small arms fire. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.  

3 Brave soldiers were killed in the attack

Staff Sgt. Michael D. Moody Jr., 31, of Richmond, Va.
Sgt. Chris Davis, 35, of Lubbock, Texas. and
Pvt. Shane M. Stinson, 23, of Fullerton, Calif.

My son-in-law, Sgt. Richard Marshall, was badly injured in this attack.
Since then he has been fighting a different battle...one for life.

Over the course of the last few days, Richard was moved from the hospital in Baghdad to a hospital in Germany and then moved again to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC.

Richard suffered multiple shrapnel wounds to his chest area as well as damage to one arm.
He has undergone several surgeries over the last week to repair damage to his heart, lungs, and arm.
He is currently listed in critical condition at Walter Reed Hospital with more surgeries planned.

I will post updates on his condition as I get them.

My daughter, Brittany, has arrived in Washington to be with him and to encourage him in his recovery and fight.

They have two beautiful young children, Jalen age 4 and Autumn age 2.

Please join us in praying for Richard's recovery, healing and his return home to his family as well as for the families of the men he fought alongside who lost their lives.
I don't know who made these tags but the date should be June 23rd

Staff Sgt. Michael D. Moody Jr., 31, of Richmond, Va., died June 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

These guys were Richard's friends


As of this writing there have been 3,564 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, of those 3,559 have now been confirmed by the DoD.



Also injured June 23rd but we have no news
Friday June 29th 8:50 AM

I talked to Brittany last night about 12:30 am…she had just arrived at the Airport in Washington.
She had a difficult time getting there…her flight out of Columbus was cancelled and she had to take a bus to Atlanta…she did not arrive in time to check her luggage (mandatory 45 min before flight) and was told they would have to put her on a later flight…then her original flight got delayed due to rain so she did get on but then they sat forever on the runway in Atlanta due to rain delays both in Atlanta and Washington…she had hoped to get to the hospital much sooner.

She hasn’t called anymore since getting off the plane in Washington so I am assuming that she got to the hospital ok and will have news later on today.

As of late yesterday evening…Richard had come out of the OR (we still don’t know what was being done) and he was listed in critical but stable condition.
They said he would be going back in for more surgery today. I don’t know who the guy was that I talked to, but he was very nice and he said that Richard was a real tough soldier.
I told him that if Richard woke up… to tell him…. we love him…are praying for him and that Brittany was on her way.

Richard’s mother and father were supposed to be flying in to Washington from Oklahoma last night as well…I don’t know if they arrived or not.
His sister and brother are driving up there also and should be in rout by now.

The kids are doing fine here and slept well last night.
They were a little upset about Brittany getting on the bus and leaving them but they are tough little troopers too.

I’ll let you all know as soon as I have more news.

Please Keep praying for God’s hands on Richard and the doctors caring for him.

I Believe with all my heart that he is going to come through this.
 
Hurry Home Richard!
We love you and miss you so much!
Friday June 29 th 12:35 PM

I just got off the phone with Brittany and I could tell by the sound of her voice that the news would be GOOD!
She said that Richard is doing VERY WELL...and he is awake and trying to talk.  He is off of the respirator/ventilator now.
She said he still has to have more surgery on his arm but he is looking good ...however he says "It hurts like h---."
They have cleaned and closed his shrapnel wounds.

She said that he said to tell everyone that he'd see them in church on Sunday...haha....Brittany said...he was being a bit optimistic and maybe he'd make it by the next Sunday if we can get him home!

Just hearing the joy and relief in her voice was wonderful ...I know that having her there with him is the very best medicine he could have right now.

I got to talk to him for just a few seconds ...he couldn't really talk back where I could hear or understand him but Brittany said he was trying to say..."HI..how are you?"

I let him know that lots of people have been praying for him.

He still has a ways to go.....but he is on the road to recovery.

God is so good to give him back to us!

The link to my guestbook is below if you want to pass on well wishes, good thoughts or prayers for Richard.

Added 1:22 pm Friday

Brittany called again. We talked a bit more.  The pacemaker that was put in while Richard was still in Baghdad is internal...it may or may not have to stay depending on how his heart heals.  But his lungs are doing better and he is breathing on his own.... although it hurts.

Added 7:45 pm Friday

We just talked to Brittany again. Richard is doing well.  They are keeping a close watch on his wounds and still trying to clean everything out.  They did not do any surgery today afterall.  

Richard's mother and father have arrived and now they can take turns sitting with him ....however he seems to be happiest when Brittany is at his side.  she went back to the hotel to get a shower and he had the nurse call for her to come back...he asked for raspberry tea so she was going to Ruby Tuesdays to get him some before taking the shuttle back to the hospital.

Brittany said that he thought they had taken his arm off...he has been so heavily sedated...today as the nurse was removing bandages and cleaning  the cuts under his arm, he said something about what was left of his arm...the nurse told him his arm was all there...he was surprised...he thought it was gone....I know he must be happy to know he still has his arm. They assured him that he still has both arms and both legs.  

He will still need surgery to repair his shoulder

We are all feeling a big sigh of relief...we know he is starting to be more like the Richard we all know and love...and we know he is going to be ok.
Updated Saturday June 30, 2007
 7:15 AM

Tomorrow...July 1st is Richard's birthday...he will be 31

Richard is still in ICU and his condition is still serious but yesterday, he was able to talk and communicate with Brittany and his mother and father who are there with him.  The doctors are all amazed at how well he is doing and Brittany has been reassured that he will make a full recovery but he has a long way to go.

I have not heard from Brittany yet this morning but I am hoping that Richard had a good night.  Just  knowing that his family is there and Brittany is with him  seems to have done him a world of good.  Hearing the relief in Brittany's voice yesterday has given us all new faith and hope and we can't praise God enough for watching over him.

Jalen and Autumn are doing fine here with us.  They pretend to talk to Richard on their toy cell phones.  We bought a wading pool for them yesterday and they had a blast splashing and playing...Autumn was so tired she fell asleep in her dinner plate.
They are sleeping well and eating good...Autumn keeps telling me that her Daddy is coming to get her to go to her house and I assure her that he will be here as soon as he can but he has to get rest in the hospital right now.

Added 1:00 pm Saturday

Brittany said that Richard is doing very well but that he is still pretty disoriented from being sedated.  He still thinks he is in Germany even though she has told him several times that he is in the states and at Walter Reed Hos.  He must be dreaming while he is sleeping because he thinks people have been to visit him who have not been there.  

They have removed his feeding tube and he is on a liquid diet...mostly he is drinking "Boost" which he does not like at all so he aksed for jello.  His cousin, Jeremy went to get him some since they couldn't seem to find any for him earlier today.

Since he is still in ICU he can not have the flowers we sent to him for his birthday so Brittany will have to keep them at the hotel for now.

At this time we do not know when they will operate again or when he will be moved out of ICU...but he is stable and doing well.

Added 7:00 pm Saturday

Richard was sleeping when Brittany called a little while ago.  She said his condition hasn't changed and that he is doing fine. He ate jello and has been talking.  He is still heavily medicated.

I can't thank everyone enough for all the messages and prayers...we KNOW that Richard is still alive today because people have been praying for him and GOD is watching over him.  Our church family prayed with him and for him before he left for Iraq and he has had even more people praying for him since last Saturday when we got the news that he had been hurt.

There is power in prayer and power in numbers...and God is working miracles everyday...the fact that Richard is alive today is a miracle from God...his improving condition has surprised his doctors...we have so much to be thankful for.

We are very thankful for the network of faithful believers who have lifted him up.
Updated Sunday July 1, 2007 4:00pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD!!
Here is a spaghetti cake for you
I'll make you a real cake when you get home

Richard was able to talk to Jalen and Autumn today on the phone...it sure did make them smile to hear his voice.
Little Autumn's face lit up and she said "It's my dad!"  Jalen told him that he wanted him to come home.
They were able to wish their dad a Happy Birthday.  

Richard sounded good on the phone but he was a bit sleepy.
Brittany said that he was sitting up in a recliner chair for the first time and he was pretty drowsey from the pain meds.

Everyday there is a little more progress.  

He has not been moved from ICU to a room yet...they are still monitoring him closely.
He told the kids that he still has some things he has to do there but that he would come home as soon as he can.

It was wonderful to finally hear him talk.
I told him that I knew this wasn't the best he'd felt...he chukled and said,  "Yeah...not the best...but not the worst either."

I know everyone joins me in sending Happy Birthday wishes and prayers his way today.

Tribute video for SSgt Moody, Sgt Davis, and Pvt Stinson
Real American Heros who gave ALL.
Created by Brandon Moore (Fellow soldier)

If you don't see the video, click this link to open it from MySpace.com
Updated Monday July 2, 2007 8:45 AM

I just got off the phone with Brittany.  I am sad to say that Richard suffered a bit of a setback last night.
He began to have trouble breathing and that caused him to have anxiety attacks.  They had to put the breathing tube back in to help him relax so that he could breathe.  He was also having hallucinations.  He is having a hard time with the loss of his buddies....he is in denial that they are gone.  He thinks they have come to see him in the hospital.
The doctors said that all of this is normal under the circumstances.

Brittany also said that he had some trouble a couple of days ago with his heart and that the pacemaker had to be reset.  That seems to be ok right now.

This only serves to remind us that this is going to be a long road back for him.  There was a lot of damage and it is going to take time for him to heal both physically and mentally.  We need to continue praying for Richard's recovery.

We know that he is strong and that he has a strong will to live and the drive to get through this...his anxiety is proof that he isn't going to give up.  He is a fighter...he is a soldier.

Please contiune to pray that God will continue to hold him close, comfort him and heal him.
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Added Monday 4:00 PM

Richard's  setback last night has left us back at "square-one".  He has fluid built up in his lungs with possible pneumonia.
They have him very sedated and Brittany said he has and would be asleep all day.  He can't breathe on his own again and can't eat (drink).  Of course he is still in ICU and his condition is critical.  

This is so hard to except after how well he did yesterday.

It has been a roller coaster of emotion for all of us with the progress and good news then bad news again.  but we cannot and will not lose faith...we know God is testing him and us and we must stay strong.

We continue to Praise God for Richard being alive and coming this far in just a little over a week....and we continue to pray daily...hourly...every spare second of the day for his healing and recovery.

This is the worst Richard has been since Brittany arrived there at Walter Reed Hospital.  So this is not easy for her and is causing her to have anxiety and stomach problems.  

I wish so much that I could be there with her to encourage her and help but I know that I am a bigger help at home keeping Jalen and Autumn here where they are with familiar people and in familiar surroundings.  

It looks as if Richardwill be at Walter Reed for quite some time...we just don't know how long.  He has a long way to go before he will be well enough for them to move him again and he still needs more surgery but they won't be doing anything until he has more strenght and is doing better than he is right now.
Updated Tuesday July 3, 2007 8:15 AM

Brittany didn't call anymore last night and I have not talked to her yet this morning.  So I have to believe that "No News is Good News".  I know that if Richard had gotten worse she would have called.

I prayed last night for him to have a restful night and to regain his strenght.  I prayed this morning for him to be back on the improving list.

Autumn didn't sleep well last night...she must have had some scarey dreams...she woke up several times crying but when I went to check on her she seemed to be still sleeping...just very restless.  She was supposed to be in a July 4th Pageant tomorrow in Douglasville, Ga...we were looking forward to her being in a patriotic pageant but with all that has happened and with Brittany being in DC, I am not sure how she would do with just me if I took her.  We are not really in much of a festive mood for the 4th right now.....So in place of her going...I asked the pageant director to have a moment of silent prayer for Richard during the time she would have made her appearence on stage and to have a moment of silence for the men who have died.  That will be worth more than any trophy or crown she might have won if she had gone.

Added Tuesday 2:00 pm

From Brittany... posted this morning on MySpace:

Date Jul 3, 2007 10:20 AM Subject Update on Sgt Marshall from His Wife Brittany:

Hi Everyone,
Well I arrived in Washington D.C. at about 1am Friday morning. when I got here Richard was on the breathing tubes, and a feeding tube. He was still in a neck brace, and he was sedated. I stayed with him at the hospital until about 4 am and I finally had to go back to my room and get some rest.

 I got back to the hospital about 10 am Friday morning, and he had shown TREMENDOUS improvement, they had taken out all the tubes, and he was breathing on his own, he was out of the brace, and talking to us, I started giving him water and sprite and he handled them very well. The next morning, he started eating liquid foods like Ensure shakes and very soft mash potatoes, and creamy soups. He also did very well with that.

Saturday evening, he gave us quite a scare, he was breathing really hard, and then his heart rate just dropped from 109 to 53 in a matter of seconds. the nurses got everything back to normal , and did an EKG, to make sure that he did not have a mild heart attack.

Sunday he did alright, he didn't want to eat much, and he was still having some difficulty breathing.

Monday morning, I recieved a call a little before 5 am and they said they had to put him back on the ventalator. and since then it seems as though it has been one thing after another. He is having alot of build up in his stomach...which was making it difficult for him to breath. They had to do a dye test to check for a blood clot in his leg, they feared it had traveled to his abdomen.  The test came back showing no blood clots.

He is basically back to the same condition he was in when I arrived Friday morning. They are doing more test on him right now, to see what is causing the build up in his stomach, and then they are taking him for a CT scan. They had to hold off on the surgery on his shoulder til they can get this problem fixed, but they say that his heart is working great, now we just need to get everything else to start working with it.

Right now he is heavily sedated, so he is comfortable. He can motion to us that is about it.

All we can do is just keep praying for him.

Brittany
Happy Independence Day

Updated Wednesday July 4, 2007 7:00 AM

Brittany called around midnight last night.  It just broke my heart.  I wish so much that I could be there with her.
She said Richard is getting worse...his body is swollen and they have checked him for blockages and bloodclots.
It is like his body is shutting down and they can't find out why.  Richard has become frustrated...he is in pain and he has been poked and proded so much that she fears he wants to quit fighting.  She is so afraid that he will give up.  

Brittany loves Richard so much....she needs him....she feels so alone and so afraid and I hurt so bad because I can't go to her and hold her and sit with her.  This is the hardest thing I have had to watch her go through.  And none of us understand why God has chosen to test our faith and strenght this way.

I can not tell publicly everything she said last night...because right now it is just for family.  Just know that Richard is in very critical condition.
Brittany is so frightened that he will give up the fight.  
As I prayed last night on my knees, I found myself pleading and begging God to help him and heal him when I knew I should have been claiming God's miracles with conviction and faith.

Today...as our country celebrates its Independence and Freedom.... people all over our great country will gather for cookouts and fireworks, parades and pageants......we hope that it is a beautiful and wonderful day.....this family understands more than ever the cost of the freedom we celebrate.

Many men have fought and died for the freedom and independence that we take for granted every day...and one we love dearly,  fights now for his life, because he took up arms to defend and protect this country.  Three men Richard loved and worked side by side with, are gone...their families are grieving today.

We will spend the 4th in Prayer.....God Please Bring Richard home to his family.

Bring all of our service men and women home


Added Wednesday 4:45 pm

Rich has shown a little bit of improvment since last night.  Some of the swelling has gone down and they may try to remove the breathing tube again later this evening.  It has been a long night and long day for us.  My niece, Meredith and my nephew's wife, Jynn, who live in Virginia have driven up to Washington to be with Brittany and give her support.  My nephew, Michael will drive up later.  I am so glad that her cousins... someone from the family... can be there with her and give her support and shoulders to lean on.  I wish it could be me but I know that I am where I need to be...here with Jalen and Autumn.

The kids have adjusted very well to being here with Dana and I.  They miss their Mom and Dad very much but they know they are safe here with us.  We are trying to keep them occupied and happy doing the normal everyday things.  They ate hotdogs for the 4th of July...and we have sparklers for them to play with later on....Tonight we will drive to Uptown Columbus to try to catch some of the fireworks....Brittany really wanted the kids to go and I know that if she and Richard were here that is where they would be.  It is important to Brittany that they get to see the fireworks even tho they are both too young to understand the reason for them.

Last night after Brittany and I talked on the phone.... I prayed on my knees until I felt the comfort of the Lord...it wasn't until then that I could return to bed and even then I prayed until I fell asleep.  I keep telling myself that I must not allow Satan to make me doubt the healing power of God...I feel a bit like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz...when she said......"But we've come such a long way already"...I know that I can't lose faith...Richard has come a long way already....and I have to believe that he...like Dorothy, will make it all the way back home.
Updated Thursday July 5, 2007 7:15 AM

Nothing has changed since yesterday.  Richard is still in critical condition.  They are doing everything they can to make him comfortable.  The problem right now appears to be in the stomach and intestinal area but they haven't pin pointed what is causing the problems.  They have put in a different kind of IV so they won't have to keep poking him to try to find a vein...he is so swollen that it had become impossible to find one when they needed to.

Brittany said that Richard's heart is doing fine and his kidneys are doing fine...They still have the breathing tube in for now so he can't talk.  They gave him a keyboard communication device so he can at least type in something if he needs anything while he is awake.  But he is sleeping quite a bit. They are monitoring him closely.  It seems that right now we just have to wait and pray and have faith that the Lord is watching over him and healing him bit by bit.

Brittany seemed to be in much better spirits yesterday.  This roller coaster of emotion has been a long and rough ride and we know it isn't over yet.   I think it did her good to spend a little time with Meredith and Jynn.  It has been a long time since she has seem them.  It made me feel better knowing that they were going up to check on her.  Brittany said that perfect strangers from different support groups a have come in and left things for them and let her know they were praying for Richard's recovery.   Everyone is being helpful and kind.  

We have gotten wonderful encouragement from all over...I know that Richard and Brittany's names are being brought before the Lord many times a day and that in itself is a great comfort.  I was thinking this morning...just how quickly our lives can get turned upside down and change so drastically in a blink of an eye.  My family is so thankful to everyone who has reached out to us...to everyone who is praying for Richard and Brittany.  I believe that we will get good news again soon...sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.

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Added Thursday 10:30 pm

I just got off the phone with Brittany a little while ago.  She is checking in at 9:00 every evening.  She sounded more rested and like she was feeling much better. She was waiting on the shuttle to take her back to the hospital. I could tell by her voice that Richard had to be doing better today even before I asked.  It is funny how a mother can hear stress as well as the lack of it in their child's voice.

Praise is very much in order .....She said that Richard has been feeling much better today.  He has been more alert and showing signs of improvement.  He still can't talk due to the ventilator but he has communicated better today.  I am breathing sighs of relief....Dana and I both have worried so much this week...it was so wonderful to finally hear good news.

They will be doing the surgery to repair his shoulder tomorrow...finally...This is also good news.  If they are taking him into surgery again then the doctors must be feeling good about how he is doing physically.

My heart is so full of joy right now...I just want to Thank God for answered prayers.....and I  want to kick myself for allowing the devil to make me have doubt and fear.  I am learning through all of this that I can't lose faith just because things start to look bad.  I need to trust God more.  I know that Rich still has a long way to go and there will probably be more times where things won't look so good...but we just have to trust God to get him through all of this.  I know God can make Richard whole again...God created him and he can heal him....we placed him in God's hands...now we have to trust God to take care of him.

Thank you God for bringing Richard through this trying week...thank you for all the people who care and are praying with us every day.  Thank you Lord Jesus for your love and healing power.

Several people have asked for the address to send cards and letters to Richard
Here is the address you need to send to:

See below for correct address for Richard added Friday July 13

To send something  to Brittany, use this address:

address removed

Richard can not recieve flowers or balloons at this time because he is still in ICU.  Once he is well enough to be put in a room, then he can receive flowers, balloons...etc.

Richard received precious cards made by the children at First Presbyterian Church of Columbus yesterday and Brittany said it made her feel so good to know that so many people are praying for Richard.
Updated Friday July 6, 2007 1:15 PM

I just talked to Brittany.  Richard is still in surgery.  She was waiting for him to come out.  They are repairing his shoulder.
She said they were going to have to put in pins and screws...and it was going to be a long surgery.

I mailed off pictures of the kids today for her to put up in Richard's room and sent pictures they colored for their dad.
I also printed out all of the messages from the guestbook and mailed them too so she can read them and know just how many thoughts and prayers are being sent their way...she should have the package by noon tomorrow since I mailed it Express Mail.  I know it will mean a lot to both of them to know that so many people care.
Updated Saturday July 7, 2007 7:50 AM

Richard came through the surgery just fine. It was a very lengthy surgery that lasted nearly 6 1/2 hours.
He was sleeping comfortably when Brittany called last night.  She said he had been worried since all of this happened that they would take his arm and she said she reassured him that they had fixed it and it was still there...once he was reassured, he went back to sleep.

She said they took the breathing tube out, as a test, for a short time, during surgery, and he did fine so they are going to try to remove it again for good sometime today.  Once they do that, he will be able to talk again.  

Since Brittany has been there, Richard has been trying to withstand the pain and not take too much medication so that he wouldn't be knocked out all the time. He has been telling the nurses his pain level was maybe a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10 but she said yesterday that after the surgery on his shoulder, he was really hurting, and said his pain was an 8.  I am sure even that was an understatement.  He is a pretty tough guy.

It is such a relief for Richard to be improving once again.  Today marks 2 weeks since he was injured.  God is a so good.
I know that he has a plan for Richard.
Added Saturday  7:10 PM

I spoke with Brittany about an hour ago.  She said Richard was doing really well but was still in a great deal of pain from the surgery.  They have taken the breathing tube out again.  Hopefully he will be able to continue to breathe normally.  They are giving him something for anxiety so maybe that will help.  I feel so bad for him...I know he is going through so much pain and discomfort. I just wish it didn't have to be so bad for him.  But Brittany has assured us that he is doing great right now.

Brittany's cousin Micheal and his wife Jynn who live in Virginia are spending the night up there so they can visit with Brittany.
I am so thankful that they are close enough that they can check in on her.  Richard's mom and dad and his sisters are there too but it makes me feel good to know Brittany has someone from her family who can lend support too.

Well I need to go give the little ones their baths and get them calmed down  a bit...they have been pretty excited today...I bought a bubble blowing machine and they have chased bubbles all over the yard.  I bet they will sleep like little logs tonight.
I am going to try to get them dressed and take them to church in the morning...it has been a long time since I had two this size, full time...it is reminding me just how old I really am.
     
Updated Sunday July 8, 2007 6:00 PM

Richard is doing pretty good today.  He has remained off of the breathing tube and is taking in liquids again...no solid food yet.  Brittany said he asked about the men who were with him the day of the explosion.  She talked to him about them being gone.  He had been told before but with all of the medications and surgeries he had forgotten.  He had been dreaming about them being alive and visiting him in the hospital, so it was like hearing it for the first time all over again.  

Brittany told Richard she had all of the messages that people had been putting on the website and he asked her to read all of them to him.  I know he must feel blessed to know that so many people care.  I was glad that I printed them and mailed them to her.  I think it is important that they both know how much support is behind them during this time.

Brittany finally got news on PVT William Kean...we found out that he was also with Richard's group and survived the incident but was not injured as badly as Richard.  He is still in Germany and is undergoing a series of operations on his hand.
It was truly a blessing to know that there was more than just one survivor of that horrible incident.  We originally thought Richard was the only one who survived.  We learned later that Pvt Kean from Ft. Benning had been injured on the 23rd as well...we weren't sure if he was in the hummer with Richard or in one close by.  We know now that he WAS in the same hummer and that he is doing well.  Please remember him in prayer also.
Updated Monday July 9, 2007 7:15 AM

Brittany called last night and we got to talk to Richard on the phone again.  It has been a week since we talked to him last so it was so nice to hear him and he sounded good.  He said he was feeling much better than last week.  His right arm hurts pretty bad and he can not move it at all yet but he said that the doctors have said that he would regain use of it in time. It is going to take a lot of physical therapy.  He wanted to talk to the kids but they were already asleep. Brittany said they would call sometime today so he can talk to the kids.

Richard sounded tired...I could tell he was making a effort to talk.  He said they haven't said when he would be out of ICU but they are saying it will be the fall before he can actually leave Walter Reed to come home, possibly September.  I told him that the kids miss him and talk about him every day.  He said to tell them he would be here and he isn't giving up without a fight.

I am going to take Jalen and Autumn to a local church daycare today to see what I have to do to get them registered and started there. Hopefully I can return to work by the middle of this week.  They have never been in day care before because Brittany is a stay at home mom.  So the plan is to work into it.... I am going to leave them for a couple of hours today ...then hopefully 4 hours on Tuesday...the plan is for me to be back at work  by Wednesday so that I don't completely deplete my vacation time.  With the way this past year has gone for me...I am sure something else will come up so I need to save a couple of days in case I need them.  

I had hoped that Brittany would be back home by now but Richard was in worse shape than we first thought and she needs to stay with him until he is out of ICU.
Updated Tuesday July 10, 2007 5:45 AM

Richard is doing good.  He is still breathing fine and able to take in a liquid diet.  Brittany said they got him up to sit on the side of the bed for a short time yesterday.  The physical therapist came in to help him exercise his legs...they massaged and helped him work his legs.  They have not allowed him to try to stand up.  He seemed to be able to tolerate sitting up for a little while.  Brittany said he was argumentative with her and his mother yesterday.  I think that has to be a good sign that he is on the road to recovery.

The kids stayed at the daycare for about 3 hours yesterday.  Jalen seemed to really like it and wants to go back.
Autumn was not happy about it at all.  She was very pouty when I came to get them.  She was not happy that I left her there.
Today I am going to try 4-5 hours...I am trying to ease them in so they understand that they only have to stay a while and then I'll be back to get them.
It makes me feel bad that I have to do this...I don't want Autumn to think everyone is going to leave her.  But I think it is important that she sees that people can leave and come back and I will be back to get her.  She keeps telling me that her mama and dad will come back and I try to assure her that they will.  However, I know this has to be a very long wait for her.  

Jalen and Autumn are both homesick.  They miss Brittany and Richard. They don't understand why they can't go home.
Their little worlds have change so much in 2 weeks time.  As much as I love them and care for them...I am not Brittany.
No one can take the place of their mama.  So I continue to pray...I know Richard will keep improving and soon he will be to the point where Brittany can return home to the kids.
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Added Tuesday 6:00 PM

GREAT NEWS!!!  PRAISE THE LORD!!
They moved Richard today out of the ICU unit.  He is now in an intermediate care room.  Not yet in a regular hospital room, but better than ICU!  They are suppose to try to get him up this evening with a walker and let him try to walk for the first time.  Brittany said his legs are really stiff and he isn't looking forward to it but it will certainly be a milestone if he is able to take a few steps.  

This is such wonderful news! I know the Lord is really working his miracles in Richard's body....Richard might not feel it...because he is still suffering a great deal of pain and anguish.  But God is touching him and healing him...this time last week we were just praying for Richard keep the will to stay alive...and now it looks like he is really progressing in a very positive way.  My heart is just jumping with joy and I wish I could hug Brittany right now.

We know this is just one milestone and there are many more hurdles for him to confront but each step forward is such a blessing!  This is the best news we have had in over two weeks.
Thank you for praying with us...please continue to lift Richard up in prayer.

He should only be in Intermediate Care about a week and then he should be moved to a regular room.
Updated Wednesday July 11, 2007 5:30 AM

Brittany called again last night so Richard could talk to Jalen and Autumn before they went to bed. He sounded really tired. The kids told him they wanted him to come home and he said that he wants to come home too but that he still has some things he has to do first.  

He said that they didn't make him try to walk yet but they did sit him up several times on the side of the bed for a few minutes yesterday.  He is going to try to stand up and take a few steps today.  He is still pretty weak and Brittany said he is still swollen but he seems to be improving and doing well.

I am trusting the Lord to continue to apply his healing power to Richard's broken and damaged body.  He has done so much for Richard already and I just can't thank God enough for bringing Richard back to The USA alive and for everything he has done so far.

Brittany says that she is seeing a different Richard than the one who left for Iraq in March.  This experience has changed him in a lot of ways that are not so so good right now and she knows that he will have a ways to go still once the body is healed and working again....his mind and spirit will need healing as well.

But I trust God.  He gave Richard back to us alive...and I believe that there are good things waiting on Richard, Brittany, and their family.

I am going back to work today.  Jalen is loving daycare ..he calls it, "going to school."  I think Autumn enjoys it while she is there...but she doesn't like me to leave her and she pouts when I pick them up.  Today will be their first full day.

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Added Wednesday  6:50 PM

I talked to Brittany at lunch time today.  She said that Richard got real food today.  They brought him eggs, grits and bacon for breakfast and he ordered a chicken sandwich for lunch.  They were going to take out the catheter today and bring in a walker to get him up this afternoon.  I know he probably won't get far the first time out but he has made so much improvment over the last week..it truly is amazing.

I have to Praise God and give credit to our maker.  He has blessed us so much.... in the face of all our fear, saddness, and worry....he has shown us that he truly is in charge and is performing miracles even when we doubt and question him.

We will never understand why those brave men who died had to die or why Richard and William Kean have had to suffer but we do know that God has a plan...he has his reasons and his own method of control....Our church family prayed for God to keep Richard safe and deliver him back to us before he ever left for Iraq...and God has protected Richard from the death  that nearly claimed him and he has delivered him back to our country...and  he is healing Richard more every day.
Updated Thursday July 12, 2007 5:30 AM

Brittany and Richard called last night so they could talk to the kids before the went to bed and say "good night".
Jalen and Autumn love getting to talk to them and telling them about their day.  They fight over who gets to talk first.

Richard said they got him up to stand up with the walker a couple of times yesterday.  He is a bit wobbly so he didn't take any steps yet but that is next. He said they have reduced his pain meds but he is still somewhat groggey a lot of the time.

I told him again how many people are thinking of him, praying for him, and checking this site, every day, to see how he is doing.  He said to tell everyone "THANK YOU" and that he is getting,  "a little bit better and a little stronger every day."
He said he knows this is going to be a long road and he is taking one day at a time.

I told him that was all anyone expects of him...for him to take one day at a time and get a little stronger every day so that he can come home.  I said that he has a lot of support behind him and we would be here waiting for him.

I also told him that several church members said they wanted to help him celebrate his birthday the right way when he comes home and he said "That sounds good!"

Each new day is a gift from God....each bit of improvment, no matter how small, is another touch of God's hand.
Updated Friday  July 13, 2007 5:30 AM

MORE GREAT NEWS!!  They moved Richard into a regular simi-private room yesterday afternoon!  He is out of danger and almost ready to start the rehibilitation process.  He is eating and breathing very well.  He still hasn't been able to walk yet...right now they are only allowing him to stand-up for a few min, but he is doing that several times a day.  He sounds a little stronger each time they call.

I am so amazed at how far he he come in such a short time.  Over the past 3 weeks, the days and nights have seemed so long and many times, it looked like the nightmare would never come to an end...then almost out of nowhere, there was hope, and light, and good news.  

Now as I look back....I realize just how far Richard has progressed and am amazed that it has only been 3 weeks since the incident in Iraq.  Richard's badly damaged and broken body is being healed more and more every day and quicker than we could have dared to imagine.  I know that he never would have made it this far without the healing hand of God and I believe that God has heard your prayers from all over the country...all over the world and he has answered all of us loud and clear!

Now we need to Thank him...Praise him...and as we continue to pray for Richard's mind, body and soul...his continued healing, and his return home to his family, we need to continue also to Thank him for everything he has done!

This is the new address Richard will be at now until he goes into the outpatient care Warrior program.

adress removed


Brittany is still at this address for at least another week.

adress removed

Richard can recieve cards, letters,  packages, flowers, and balloons now if anyone would like to send something to him.  He likes Sports magazines.  He has a portable DVD player in his room so he can watch movies.

Updated Saturday  July 14, 2007 7:30 AM

Brittany called last night; she said that Richard is doing great.  He can stand up and take a step or two but they are not letting him walk yet because he is still very weak from all the surgeries.  He was able to sit in a wheelchair today and she pushed him around the hospital and he got to go outside for a bit.  I know that had to be nice for him after being flat on his back in a hospital bed for 3 weeks.  

Richard will have to have another surgery on his shoulder but that will be several weeks down the road.  They are looking into the possibility of him coming back to Ft. Benning for some of his rehibilitation.  They don't know yet if that will be possible.  Brittany said that they will have to check into everything that he will be needing and then check to see if Martin Army has the facilities and the expertise for what he will need or if there is somewhere here that he can get what will be required. Brittany said that there is a possibility that he can come home for his therapy and that is what they are hoping for but they don't know yet if that will happen.  

Right now we are just so blessed and thankful that Richard is on the road to recovery and that the doctors are all happy with his progress so far.  Everything is looking good and he is doing fine.

The kids are doing good.  They are homesick and they miss their mom and dad.  I know they will be so happy when Brittany comes home. Jalen loves 'going to school"...Autumn still is not happy about me leaving her there everyday but they are telling me that she is doing great.  
Updated Sunday  July 15, 2007 10:00 AM

I just got these pictures that my nephew, Micheal took of Brittany and Richard while he and his wife, Jynn, were there last weekend.  Richard was still in ICU when these were taken.  He was eating Jello.


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Added Sunday 2:40 PM

FROM BRITTANY:

Hey guys, I finally got a laptop with wifi so I can get on MySpace now.  Richard is doing really good, he got to get out of bed the day before yesterday, the nurse asked him if he would like to sit in a wheelchair and go outside, of course he was all for that. He still is unable to walk, because he has lost so much muscle in his legs, but he can stand and take a few steps with the walker. Everyday he does a little more. He is able to eat now, but he doesn't have much of an appetite, But he is doing so good. He still has to have another surgery on his shoulder, but that will be in about 5-6 weeks. We are going to try to do all of his out-patient therapy and rehab at Fort Benning. He wants to go home so bad. Well I am gonna go for now, I need to get dressed to go to the hospital. I'll talk to you guys later.

Brittany

FROM JENNY:

I just talked to Brittany.  Richard was sleeping.  She said he is doing really good.  He is still experiencing some intestinal problems but it doesn't appear to be serious at this time.  If all is well next weekend and Richard is still doing good, and progressing in a positive way, then she is planning on comming home on July 22nd.  

Dana and I are planning on going to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina for Shane's graduation from Army Basic Training the following weekend.  After what has happened to Richard, Shane's graduation from Basic has even more meaning.  We are pretty sure that he will be going to Iraq as well.



Updated Monday  July 16, 2007 5:45 AM

Just got this from Brittany:

HEY MOM GREAT NEWS....I FOUND PVT WILLIAM KEAN, HE IS DOING GOOD, HE ONLY SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES, AND HE IS AT HOME. HE WILL BE HOME FOR A MONTH AND THEN HE WILL RETURN TO FORT BENNING.

BRITTANY

God is indeed good.  I know that it has to help Richard to know that Pvt William Kean is doing good and that he wasn't injured badly.  

Inicidents like the one Richard and William survived, continue to happen everyday in Iraq...so many good men and women have been killed or injured.  We feel so blessed that God saved Richard and is bringing him through this.
***************************************************************************

As of this writting:
U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 3611
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 4
Total 3615

As of July 11th:
There have been 3,894 coalition deaths -- 3,608 Americans, two Australians, 157 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvian, 20 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of July 11, 2007, according to a CNN count.

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Added Monday  July 16, 2007 6:10 PM

When I talked to Brittany today at lunch time, she said that the doctors at Walter Reed Hospital are checking with Martin Army Hospital here at Ft. Benning to see if they have the facilities and the doctors that Richard needs to continue his recovery here.  If they determine that Martin Army has what he needs, there is a possibility that they will medivac him to Martin Army Hospital to complete his in-patient care and his rehibilitaion.  That would be truly another answer to prayer!

Brittany said that Richard wants to come home so badly and he keeps asking them if he can come home to Ft. Benning.
They have said that it is a possibility but they have to make sure that everything he needs is here...Brittany also said that they are checking an Army Hospital near Macon, Georgia as well,  just in case Martin Army doesn't have everything he needs.  

I believe they are trying to get him home or at least as close to home as possible but it will all depend on the circumstances and the facilities available.  

We are praying that this will happen.  Of course, we want whatever is best for Richard,  and we want him to get the best care possible.  We don't want them to move him or bring him home, if that can't happen here....But we are praying that Martin Army will have everything he needs and that he will be able to come home soon.

Brittany said that whether he stays at Walter Reed...or he comes to Martin Army, Richard still has maybe 2 weeks of in-patient care ahead of him before he will be released from the hospital.

Please join us in our prayers that Richard can and will receive the best care possible and that he might receive it here at Ft. Benning.

God has been so wonderful and has brought Richard this far....we are hoping and praying that God will bring him a little closer to home.
Updated Tuesday  July 17, 2007 6:15 AM

Hey Richard is doing great, after I talked to you on the phone the Physical Therapist came in to help Richard do his PT, He used the walker and he walked all the way from his bed to the elevator, and then from the elevator to the physical therapy center. He was really worn out after that of course, then he went to Occupational therapy ( by wheelchair) and he put on his shirt and shorts by himself, but he had a lot of difficulty with his socks, The doctors came in this evening, and they are talking about discharge now, he has to have a few more test done, and if everything is okay, then he can come home, as OUT PATIENT and he will continue his out patient care at Martin Army in Fort Benning. Now we do not know yet if he will have to come back to Walter Reed in 6 weeks to have his 2nd surgery or not, hopefully they will be able to do that in Fort Benning as well.

Brittany


Praise the Lord!!!!!


*************************************************************
They found out yesterday evening, that another soldier from Ft. Benning's  2-69 (Richard's company), is at Walter Reed too...he was injured in Iraq a few days after Richard was injured.  I don't have his name.  Brittany said he lost his leg but that he is doing very well.  They are on the same floor there at Walter Reed....Richard wants to visit him today so Brittany is planning on wheeling him to the room to talk with him.  I know it will be good for both soldiers to see a familiar face, a buddy, a commrade...someone else they can truly relate to right now.

We continue to pray..and believe that everything is going to work out and that many good things are in Richard's future.
God has been so great to this family....we just can't thank him and praise him enough.

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Added Tuesday  July 17, 2007 6:45 PM

Richard is Coming Home!!!

I talked to Brittany this afternoon and she said that Richard may be coming home to Ft. Benning as early as next Tuesday or Wednesday.  The plan is to keep him at Walter Reed Hospital through this week and then begin processing him to be Air-vac'd  to Martin Army Hospital at Ft. Benning by early or mid-week, next week.  He should then be at Martin Army Hospital for only a couple of days before being released by the end of next week for his out-patient rehibilitation.  They even said that he probably will not have to return to Walter Reed for the bone graft on his shoulder, that will need to be done in about 5-6 weeks.  That can be done at Martin Army or by a Columbus doctor.

What a Blessing...what an answer to prayer!!  I just am overwhelmed by how God has worked his miracles and healing powers with Richard!!  God must certainly have a plan for him...Richard is healing so much faster than we dared to hope for and has surprised even his doctors and nurses.

Brittany said that Richard is walking short distances with a cane now instead of the walker...he is gaining more strenght in his legs everyday.  He is doing pretty good at getting himself dressed and only needs assistance with his socks and shoes...and with getting a bath.  I think Richard is really working hard to prove he is getting stronger and is ready to come home.  

It has been nearly a month since the incident in Iraq...They said it would be September before he would be ready to come home...and yet now they are planning on sending him home before the end of July!

What an awesome God we have!
A friend sent this to me today in email...and it deserves to be shared


YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

I apologize for the delay in the updates...My Internet Service has been down for a couple of days at home so I couldn't publish the updates.
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Updated Thursday  July 19, 2007 6:50 PM

Well now we wait for the final word from the Army.  We know what we want to happen and we know what they have said will probably happen but now we wait to see if, when, and where it will happen.

When I talked to Richard yesterday, he was not feeling very well.  He has developed a cough and it makes his chest hurt when he coughs.  I jokingly told him we didn't want any' bad news...just good news' and he wasn't allowed to get sick...and he laughed and said, "I know,...I am trying!"  

Brittany said that they are talking about possibly removing the pacemaker from Richard's heart if everything checks out ok this week and that is good news!  Some of the damage to one of his lungs might be permanent but minor .  He has a some nerve damage to his diaphram but the doctors don't think it will hinder him later on because it is just a very small area.  They are doing test on him everyday to make sure he is getting better and the doctors told them that he is improving everyday.

Brittany is schdeuled to come home Sunday evening and then we will wait for Richard to be flown to Martin Army Hospital here at Ft. Benning sometime next week.

I still believe that God has every intention of healing Richard completely and I will continue to pray that he will.
We are still praying for Richard to be brought home next week and that he has no setbacks to prevent that from happening.

I just can't express my Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and encouragment that you have bestowed on Richard and our family.  I truly believe Richard is alive today because of prayer and I believe he is healing because of prayer.

Updated Friday  July 20, 2007 5:45 AM

We still have no official word as to if and when Richard will be sent home, just a projected plan of action for sometime next week.  But I have faith and I believe that this is going to happen.

Brittany's plane is scheduled to arrive in Columbus at 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.  I don't know yet if I'll send Dana to pick her up and let him bring her to the house to surprise Jalen and Autumn or if I'll take them to the airport and let them watch her plane come in.  Either way I know they are going to be so happy for their mom to be home.  

Last night, Brittany said the doctors allowed her to take Richard away from the hospital to go out to eat.  Richard's cousin Jeremy, and his girlfriend (who live in the Washinton area) went with them.  They made her take him in a wheelchair to make sure he didn't fall or risk injury. They took him to Red Lobster and he enjoyed that a lot...but all that real, rich, food didn't set to well on his stomach and made him sick shortly after.  Still I know it had to feel good just to go out into the real world for a little while.  

Dana and I are so excited that Richard will soon be home and we will be able to see him.  I can't wait to see the kid's reaction when they see their mom on Sunday.
"I Believe"

I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows,
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows,
I believe for everyone who goes astray,
Someone will come to show the way,
I believe, I believe.

I believe above the storm a smallest prayer
Will still be heard,
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word,
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry,
Or touch a leaf, or see the sky,
Then I know why,
I believe.
"In God We Still Trust"

You place your hand on His bible, when you swear to tell the truth.
His name is on our greatest monuments an' all our money too.
An' when we pledge allegiance, there's no doubt where we stand:
There's no separation, we're one nation under Him.

In God, We Still Trust,
Here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the going gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength,
The one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.

Now there are those among us,
Who wanna push Him out.
And erase his name from everything,
This country's all about.
From the schoolhouse to the courthouse,
They're silencing His word,
An' now it's time for all believers,
To make our voices heard.

In God, We Still Trust,
here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the goin' gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.

Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America,




Added Friday 4:45 PM

I made a mistake earlier and said that Richard has some nerve damage to his esophagus but actually it is his diaphram that is damaged... but it is minor.  
Updated Sunday  July 22, 2007 10:45 AM

Brittany is on the airplane now, on her way from Washington to Atlanta.  She wants to surprise the kids so we haven't told them she is on her way home.  Dana will pick her up at the Columbus Airport when she gets here, and bring her to the house.  I know the kids are going to be so happy to have their mama home.  

Richard is doing very well.  He was even allowed to sleep at the hotel overnight.  We are confident that he will be transfered to Martin Army Hospital sometime over the next 2 or 3 days.  His mother is still there in Washington with him and she will stay until they put him on the plane to come to Ft. Benning.   We still don't know what day he will be get here but we know it won't be long now.

It is such a relief to know that Richard is healing and doing so well and that the worst of it is over. This has been the longest month that I can remember.  But I am glad that we have had this time with Jalen and Autumn.  It has been a real bonding experience that I know will last long after they have returned home with Brittany and Richard.

We do know that Richard has a lot of rehibilitaion ahead still ...not just for his arm, but for his mental health as well.  We know that this experience is one that he will deal with for the rest of his life...and is one that will change him.  We pray now that the changes will be postive ones and that he will take away from this a testimonial of the power of prayer and the Lord's goodness.

So many of our soldiers are in the same shoes as Richard ....so many more are yet to join him.  I have always had a heart for our wounded veterans but now that feeling is stronger than ever.  

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Added Sunday 5:15 PM

Brittany's plane didn't arrive in Columbus until after 4:00.  It was 4:30 before they made it to the house.  The kids were very happy to have their mama home and more than ready to head to their house and leave MawMaw and PawPaw.  We will miss them.

Richard won't be here this coming week as we first thought.  Brittany said that they told her that he should arrive by a week from this coming Tuesday...so we still have to wait.  I hate that she had to leave him before he was headed home but Dana and I are leaving Wednesday to go to Shane's graduation from Army basic training in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina so she had to come home this week.

We will just have to wait and keep praying that God will get Richard home soon...we must be patient.
Updated Monday  July 23, 2007 10:45 PM

Today marked one month from the date of the incident in Iraq

Richard's Story continues
click here