LCpl Tim Waldron

A Little Fun!!

2009-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

JUST GETTING SOME MORE RELAX TIME IN

Randall Kiggins, one of Tims buddies, stopped by for a few hours to hang out with Tim one afternoon (unfortunately for me) he rode his bike over. Well, that just opened a can of you know what!!!!! Because all Tim wanted to do was ride his bike. Noooooooooo. That didn't seem to help. Since Tim had just received his new Leather Vest which was given to him by Marine Corps League Marines Helping Marines. ( A bunch of nice retirees). He thought it only fitting to take the bike and the vest for a ride. I starting yelling and screaming at him. Randall, Dave and Tim started laughing at me saying why nothing is going to happen,its just around the block. Not funny boys. Then Tim uses his famous line "Mom whats the worst that could happen" and we all know how that line came about! boy some times I just wanna............

Hope all this makes sense. He is doing better but not great. He has his good days and then his bad. But we are all coping.

Lots of Love

Vicki

WHAT MOM I AM RESTING ANNNNND I AM EVEN ICING MY JAW

2009-06-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

WHAT MOM I AM RESTING ANNNNND I AM EVEN ICING MY JAW

This was just the way I caught him, checking CrossFit sites and reading up on their Journal pages and then playing X-Box. Leave it to Tim! I told him he needed to ice his jaw because the swelling was bad. So he did, i was thinking more on the lines of resting while icing. Tims look on his face the pleeeeeaaasssseee look. And for most of you, you know that look.

Lets Explain the Photos!!

2009-06-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

The pics with Teachers and class

CLASSROOM EXCITEMENT

One of our best friends, Beth Weston, is a 3rd grade teacher. So while Tim was in the hospital Mrs. Weston's students and Miss Ajai's students wrote letters and drew pictures for Tim. They were some of the cutest get well cards. So today, Tim and I stopped by her class to say hi and thank you. The kids were excited to see him both classes set around in a big circle just waiting for Tim to say something. Both teachers told the students they could ask a couple of questions and they did. One of the kids asked how it felt to be blown up, and another about meeting the President. One of the kids said he was just in awe that Tim stopped by to say hi. Tim thought the kids were just so cute. Third Graders WOW

Now the picture of the Cross-fit sign

CROSS-FIT DREAMS

Tim is having such a hard time not being able to workout. He lives and breaths Cross-Fit. For those of you who know nothing about it just talk to Tim and he will give you the whole run down. Tim and R.J. live for it. Their day is just not complete with out their workouts. Tim found out there was a class on Nutrition at the Willow Glen Cross-Fit Gym so we headed that way. We picked up R.J. in San Jose and then we decided to visit the Cross-Fit Gym in Santa Clara, BOY WAS THAT A TREAT FOR THEM. Jason Kalipa who is the Cross-Fits 2008 Champion owns that Gym. R.J. was able to work out with them and he did great. Tim was in heaven.

WATCH OUT LANCE ARMSTRONG

PT has started and the first day Tim was so sore, he couldn't do anything the next day. I tried to tell him 3 weeks in a hospital bed takes a lot out of you. Therapy is 3 times a wk. I took some good pictures they had him on the bike and he was going to fast so Bryan his therapist told him to slow down and Tim stated" I am trying to catch Lance I am on the Tour De France". I just love that Kid. They have given him many of exercises to do at home so really it is 7 days a wk. Its not Cross-Fit but it will have to do for now.

Some Pictures

2009-06-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Five Days Home

2009-06-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it we have been home for five days and I am still trying to catch up on sleep. Tim is doing so well. He gets fustrated easy only because he can't workout, he is obsessed with Cross Fit and is just aching to get back to the workouts. That is probably going to be the hardest thing for me, keeping him down. The doctor says take it easy so all the wounds can heal and he fights me on that. Remember I am the MOM and I normally win. Three doctor appts down and unsure how many more to go. Dad and Tim went and bought a new X-Box so that is the best way for me to keep him down, he still makes his comments "man I just want to go workout." His drive is great but I just want him to heal all the way before he hurts himself. We have had a lot of support and friends stopping by and that has just shown us all how much he is loved. Thank you all for your support.

Here is a picture of Tim acting funny which is nothing new. I am so glad his spirit is in tack. His smile is back and so is his humor.

The Friday before we left we were invited to the Eight and I Barracks to watch The Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and listen to the Marine Corp Band andDrum and Bugle Corp. Tim was honored that night and that was unexpected but so enjoyable. So much brass WOW even Rick was excited. After his 8 years in the Corp this was just so exciting for him. We visited with a few Sgt Majors and their wives of course they were dressed very nicely and me in my Marine Mom sweatshirt and Capri's just felt very out of place. We had drinks and appetizers and we visited with Lt General John W. Bergman and also The Honorable John M, Mchugh who is the 23rd Congressional District of New York.

Tim and Rick received so many coins from so many high ranking Marines. He has 8 new coins, of course the presidents coin get him free drinks on base but Dad said it is not leaving the house. No telling where is might wind up.

This was one of the most horrifying things to have happened to all of us, but so many wonderful things came out of it all. Tim was just amazed at all the people that came to visit him and just felt overwhelmed. We are all very glad to be home with family and friends.

Love to all thanks again.

Vicki a very proud Marine Mom

Update From Vicki June 11,2009

2009-06-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well last night was exciting friends and family came to visit from the time we walked in the door till about 10:00p.m. He finally went to bed and sleep good. I watched him sleep last night late and that helped me. I know sounds weird but whatever. I'am the MOM and I can do that. This morning Tim was in a little pain but thank goodness for meds. We went to breakfast with Grandpa, Liz and the rest of the family very good to see him eat so well. Then it was off to the first of many doctor appts. It went good, Dr Bishop from the Modesto VA asked him if he fell and hit his chin, (his neck is bandaged) he said no I got blown up. You should have seen his face.. Did the once over then looked at me and said someone was on his side. Looked at all his wounds and said he is healing well. The doctor was a little upset that he only has 30 days here at home, because the VA can only take care of him while he is here then he will go back to base and have to start all over with new doctors. We came home after the doctors and now he sleeping peacefully. Everyone is gone right now doing errands and Tim is sleeping and guess what I was watching again. That momma thing. LOL We have more friends stopping by tonight so he is getting his beauty sleep not that he needs it. So that is one of the updates, still more to follow. Love to all and thanks for all the prayers

Love Vicki

Welcome Home Tim!!

2009-06-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

They are Home!!

2009-06-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

As many of you know by now they are home. It was not a fun trip home for them. I will just post the e-mail that Vicki sent to me about the trip home. So after they actually get some sleep we will getting you a more detailed update on how Tim is doing. Thank you for all keeping him in your Prayers!!

Debbie

WOW Debbie I am so tired. I don't think I can think

We left the hospital at 3:00p.m. boarded the plane at 5:15 then sat in the plane for 3 hours waithing for the storm to stop. Then we flew for 4 1/2 hours, of course missing our connecting flight. So we spent 10 hours in the airport not the best place to have a comfortable nights sleep. We left Arizona at 7:45 a.m. a couple of people gave up their first class seats Tim and I flew together last night so I let Dad and Tim sit in the good seats from Arizona to SF and arrived nicely. Bill and Kate were there waiting for us and so happy they were. Just get me home that is all I could think of. I am so tired and just feel like I am in shock but very happy to be home. We drove up to our home WOW R.J. and some church members decorated the outside very patriotic and Kate, Kathleen, and Stephanie decorated the inside it looked so beautiful. So much love. We can not thank everyone enough. I will give a more detailed update later. Sorry just very over whelmed right now and very tired.

Sorry Debbie i am just so tired and there are so many people here in and out and it is very hard to keep my mind on this letter. Hope this is ok. Tim also has a doctors appt tommorow and then more to follow.

Vicki

Update on The Trip Home

2009-06-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Vicki just texted me not much but a slight update. They have been on the plane for about 3 hours, but there is a storm they are waiting to pass. But then they told her to turn off the phone so maybe they will be on the way shortly!! If I hear anything I will let you all know.

Debbie

A Smile A Day!!

2009-06-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks Allie

Not Home Yet

2009-06-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

They were not able to get a flight out today (Monday) They will try again tomorrow but I guess this is on a daily basis. He did get the staples taken out of his chest today. All is good. I will keep you updated on the flight as soon as I know.

Do you have a good photo of Tim?? E-mail it to me if you do!!

Debbie

Tim's Going Home

2009-06-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

First of all let me tell you all how thankful Rick and I are for the love and support you have shown to our family.. I am so happy to have all of you in our lives. Sorry for not keeping up with the info but things have been a roller coaster, but we have great news Tim should be home by Monday and I can't wait. He has a long road to recovery but we are ready to start handling them from home. First we have set PT in Modesto so we don't have so far to drive 3 times a wk. Then ENT and Oral will be in Palo Alto at the VA Hospital. They told us this morning that they may bring Tim back here for some work on the wound under his chin, but we are not sure they may decide to perform it at a different location. We would not mind if they brought him back here this Hospital is amazing I can't say enough about these people. Of course we all have our favorite Nurses but we love them all.

Love Vicki

Update

2009-06-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update and I am sorry I haven't been very good at updates in the last couple of days!! He is doing so well and as you read in Vicki's update he is going home in a couple of days!! He was discharged today (Saturday Afternoon). He gets tired pretty easy but is really happy to be out of the hospital. Doctors orders were that he had to stay on the base for the next couple of days. So he is staying of course with Vicki and Rick in the their room. He is still pretty medicated for pain but was able to walk up 3 flights of stairs yesterday skipping 1 stair with each step in PT (no wonder he is getting tired). He will be coming home for a 30 days convalescent leave.

He has many stories to tell which I am sure that we are all looking forward to hearing!! So after a nice fast lesson on this blog he will be able to give you updates which I am sure everyone will look forward too!! I guess I will be laid off soon!! I continue to keep you all updated until he is ready!! Hopefully doing a better job then the last few days!! Vicki also wants to Apologize for the lack of updates as well she said it has been crazy and to get a few minutes to write something has been hard.

They do have some pictures to share but her camera had died and is unable to upload me the pictures. But we will get them on here hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday!!

Thanks
Debbie

It's Tease Time

2009-06-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

I dug into the old pictures and came out with one of my favorite memories of Tim. We had a nice Mothers Day lunch at the Waldron's and Tim came home from work and just Jumped in the pool with all the kids clothes and all!! I ended up getting some pretty good pictures of him!! I love the one that he is hanging out upside down!! My other favorite is the tight pants at the bottom!! How do you whistle on the blog!!
Love Ya Tim
Debbie

I love that smile!!

2009-06-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

A Message From Tim!!

2009-06-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

For the people that have already written and are keeping me in your prayers thank you so much. So much is such an inspiration to know that all these people all over the place are praying for me to get better. Sorry this isn't long I promise to write each and everyone of you. Thanks again for everything and I will be sure to do my best to keep everyone updated.

Love Tim

A Day of Gifts

2009-06-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

Today was eventful. We started at 4:30a.m. R.J. and Kate left for home, R.J. starts school on Friday and has an interview, Kate has finals and graduation on Sat. Good luck R.J. and hope the offer is great. Congrats Katers we love you and are very proud of you. O.K. on to Tim, the doctors started arriving around 6:00 a.m. and continued until about 3:30, oh my gosh I was tired I can't believe Tim made it through it all. He was taken to dental today and had all his teeth fixed. He made it around 1/2 of the 5th wing.. Respiratory for treatments, staples removed from his stomach took some cool pictures Tim was loving it he is such a ham. I just love that boy. In between all of this the organizations that are so involved with the Wounded Warriors can not think of all of them but will list later for many thanks. Tim received an abundance of gifts today, gifts cards, phone cards, CDs, Nintendo DS and two games which by the way he gave to his favorite Corpsman for his son. How sweet. A Leather Vest and patch and sticker for his bike (over my dead body). We finally put a note on the door saying no visitors. He was able to shower and sleep, which he really needed. Also he had a phone interview with the Modesto Bee, I sent pictures to them and hopefully you can open your morning paper drink yourcup of coffee and read about my beautiful son.

Will keep you updated,

Vicki

A Day of Honor

2009-06-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

WOW what a day! We had a very rough morning the pain after surgery was unbearable. My husband was great stayed calm and helped in what ever way he could to get the his pain controlled. A few hours later he was resting comfortably. Then they had to get him cleaned up because he was having company. WHAT AN HONOR. THE PRESIDENT! Can you believe it, the President of the United States of America visited my son. The Secret Service is just as tough and powerful as they looks on T.V. But when Obama walked in to Tim's room wearing a protective gown and gloves he acted like one of the docs. Came in said Good morning. We did the rounds of hand shakes then he spook to Tim about the Marines and the service they give, how proud he is of all these men, told him he looks good, they talked about Tim's desire of Crossfit, thanked him for his service then started to say his goodbyes. He shook hands again with all and gave me a hug. This was the first time obama has been to National Navel Medical Center and Tim was the first visitor to be seen. After the visit we all had lunch then Rick and I had to take care of paper work for our on and off base privileges and entrances to the places on base outside of the hospital. We gave Tim and Kate some time alone. He trys so hard to stay awake when we are in the room, the doctor told us the more he can sleep the faster his recovery. She has been great through this whole thing, I have been staying on top of her so she eats and sleeps. When you look at the picture you can see she has had more sleep then me, so don't laugh.

The President Of The United States!!

2009-06-02T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon the visitor that Tim received was President Obama. He came in and talked to tim and after a few minutes met with the family!! He stayed and talked with them for about 15-20 minutes. I will let Vicki talk more about the visit later today we will post it with a picture of them. It was a exciting day for them.

Just a little update and Vicki will again go into more detail in her letter. He is having a AWSOME day today!! He is up walking, went to the bathroom!! His fever is down still has a slight one but down a lot. He sees the Oral Surgeon today along with tons of other Doctors that he sees daily!!

I do have a few Prayer requests and I know Vicki is probably going to get mad at me for posting this but I think it is worth the risk!! Can you please add Vicki's foot to the prayer requests. She is seeing a Doctor today but her swelling is hurting her and I just thought because you all are so great at prayers I would risk her getting mad at me for some of your awesome work. She is doing ok so I don't want to alarm anyone it is not bad she is just recovering from her surgery she had a couple months ago. Just not used to being up this much.

For Tim's prayer requests that swelling keeps going down. The Appointment with the Oral Surgeon goes well. That his fever continues to go down, That his progress continues in the same direction and speed that he is doing now if not better. That he is able to get some liquids down him soon. And of course that the pain is manageable.

Thanks

Debbie

Another Little update!! & Prayer Requests

2009-06-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

I got a call from Vicki. She said last night was a little rough. He is not having as good of a day as yesterday. Tim had a fever that was above 102 but that this morning it has gone down some but still there. In the surgery like Kate said they did not have to wire shut his jaw which is awesome, they did put in 2 plates one about 6 inches in the front of his jaw that wraps around, another 3 inch on the top. He does have 3-4 teeth that are broken that they did not go fix yet. He asked for jello but was turned down. Still not able to eat at all or drink. They are wanting to hopefully get water down him in the next few days. I did ask if he is missing food but at this time he is not. ( Which is good for him) He is very swollen today from the surgery last night and doesn't look like himself as much as these pictures we posted today ( because they were taken Sun). He is still very drugged up and on a pump for medications that he can push along with an automatic pump every 6 minutes. He is having a couple of visitors today so please come back for the news!! We will have it posted as soon as we know who it is and what happened, so stay tuned!!

Prayer Request: That the swelling goes down, the fever to go down. For him to be more comfortable and that they can find a pain medication that can really work well with him. That he will soon be able to open his mouth enough to start to drink water and a shake soon. For the family to be able to get a little sleep!!

Sgt. Peters family is now with him at the hospital we ask if you can please keep him and his family in your prayers. They all have visited with the Waldron's and Kate. I will try to get an update on how he is doing if I can. I know a lot of people have showed support for him and his family greatly appreciates it.

Prayers Answered: As much as he is in a lot of pain the surgery went very well, specially since the jaw didn't have to be wired shut. He was in ICU again last night but was moved back into his own room. The family says everything is going in a positive direction!!

Pictures of Tim

2009-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

With Tim's approval Vicki took a few pictures of him so you all can see how he is doing.

Update Letter From Kate

2009-06-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's about midnight here in Bethesda and Tim just got out of surgery a while ago. He is doing okay. We're not sure exactly how it went yet, but so far, things look good. He is very swollen, but is actually able to talk. They didn't have to wire the jaw shut, thank goodness!We got to be with him while he was in recovery and he is now back in his own room up on the 5th floor. The staff here is AMAZING and is taking great care of him. Today was a much better day than yesterday. His spirits were up and he was joking around a lot. You know Rick...always making Tim laugh and chuckle. They say laughter is the best medicine, so we're working on that part! I got to see that ADORABLE smile of his today. It made my day, no actually, it made my week. It's been really tough, but I'm so happy to be here with him and finally have him in my arms. Well, not technically in my arms because I can't squeeze him too tight! Just tons and tons of kisses :) I sat at his bedside today and we talked for a while. It's so nice to finally be with him again. I didn't think this depolyment would end this way, but at least he is stateside. We were able to meet Sgt Peters' family this evening which was really nice. Sgt Peters was in an accident with the medical team on their way to get Tim after the explosion. We chatted with them for a bit in the waiting room while we were waiting for Tim's surgery to be completed. They are all such nice people. It's time for me to get back and sit with my love, but I just wanted to send an update. Please keep those prayers coming...God has really taken care of Tim and answered our prayers. Thanks to everyone for all the support and love, it's overwhelming and SO MUCH appreciated. We'll keep you posted with anything else!

Love Kate

Tim just went in for Surgery & A Few Lost Posts!!

2009-05-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

I just got a call that Timmy just went into surgery!! It will take anywhere from 3-6 hours. Vicki said he is having a better day then yesterday. See all your hard work praying is paying off great job everyone.

Prayer request!! That the surgery goes well actually great!! That he keeps having good days and that they become even better days!! That he recovers soon and fast!!

I received a few posts last night and this morning, I wanted to get them posted so I will attach them to this post!! You all are awesome for giving him so much support!! He may not be able to pick up this book when we are done with it!!

Update From Vicki

2009-05-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

Well we are here at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD. What a facility, it is very nice and the staff is even better. We could not want for anything. The Marine Corp is helping keep all of us very happy. Tim is doing better, he still has a very long road ahead. He is scheduled for surgery today to repair his jaw which has a few broken bone fragments they told us they will try to put it all back together and place a plate in to secure. He also has some broken teeth they are not sure if they will fix the same time or at a later date. This surgery should take about 3-6 hours it just depends. The talk is they may do it later tonight or even in the morning they had to take another pt and his injuries are worse. So we will just see what happens. He has numerous lacerations as we said before, but he is here with us and safe and I am not going to let him out of my site for quite awhile.

Also, a update about the other men involved. The other 3 were sent back to there units and doing great small injuries have not received to much info on any of them. But the two men listed on Tim's blog and in the emails past, one was a medic and the other a driver on the way to get Tim and had a terrible accident, they flipped their vehicle. So this is were Chief Bennett and Sgt Peters come in to this horrifying incident.

This is truly something I would never want for any parent. I have been very strong just when I start to lose it Kate or Rick start so as a mother I suck it up and keep them on the positive side and hide the rest. I don't know what I am going to do when they both leave. Rick's mom said she would come and help me. Being on the crutches are a little difficult but I doing great. I have my son close by.

Thanks for all your prayers and also for adding comments on Tim's blog. We have told him about it and he is looking forward to reading them. If you have a problem posting there is a e-mail you can send to and Debbie will add it for you.

Again Thank you

A VERY PROUD MARINE MOM

They Have Landed and Kissed Him!!

2009-05-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

The family is now with Tim. They were able to talk with him a little and are able to visit him as often as they want, even sleep in his room. Vicki said it was hard and not easy to see him he is in pretty bad shape but is going to make a full recovery. He talks a little but because of the medication he goes in and out. He has a lot of staples in several different places she said to many to count. They are looking at being there for a few weeks to a couple of months that is just up in the air right now. Some good news!! He is now out of the ICU and is in his own room. The hospital is absolutely awesome and vicki said he couldn't be in better care. The family is being taken care of very good which makes a bad situation a little better.

On Sunday he will be having another surgery to wire shut his jaw ( I hope I am saying all of this right) But this should be his last surgery. She will keep us posted specially after it is completed.

So prayers for today!!! That the surgery goes well!! That he feels little pain!! For some of the swelling to go down. That the family will finally be able to get a little sleep ( 10 hours in a week is just not enough). Prayers that have been answered!!! The lungs look really good, his heart is doing great!! His face is just as handsome as before the accident!! ( You all know I love his smile) That he was moved out of intensive care and is now in his own room.

So keep the prayers coming you all are making a huge difference. I have heard that a few people were having a hard time posting if you are having a problem please e-mail me the post and I will make sure it gets on there. Zacktobe5@verizon.net

Vicki also wanted me to leave her e-mail address for everyone marinemamatoo@yahoo.com.

Thanks again for the support

Debbie

Family Travel Update!!

2009-05-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

The Waldron's and Kate are traveling to D.C I think it is. I know they changed the Hospital that they were going to send him to because it specialized in his needs more. They left this morning about 3:30 and had a layover in Chicago. She didn't give me a time of arrival, but said she will call me to give me information to pass on to everyone!!

Debbie

Lets Make HIm Laugh

2009-05-29T19:37:00.001-07:00

Ok I know we have all had a trying week, as to be expected. But it is time to make the Waldrons Laugh!! Timmy this is for you!! What is your funnest memory of Timmy!! Think about it, it has to be good!! Come back to the post tomarrow if you have too!!! He should have landed in the States about 8 minutes ago!! He is back home in the USA with all of us!! The family will be joining him soon (not sure yet exactly when) So lets give Vicki, Rick, RJ, and Kate something to read to him!! Whats your funny story??

Vicki's Letter

2009-05-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your prayers they have helped. Tim has been flown to Bethesda MD National Naval Medical Center where he will recieve the rest of his care and treatment. We are all being taken very good care by the USMC all travel arrangements have been taken care of and the FRO has taken care of the flight for Kate(Tims girlfriend) we wil be met by 2 Marines at the airport and they will become or best friends. Housing has been taken care of and all our food. We are so excited to see him for the first time. I will let you all know more as soon as we find out how he is doing. So many things have been going on the last two days sorry for not keeping up. The phone the emails has just been so much to deal with. God bless to all

Have you all seen Tims blog, timwaldron.blogspot.com

Thank again

One Proud Marine Mom

Letters and Comments

2009-05-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

We have posted a couple of letters that were sent to Tim's family on how he is doing and the others involved in this accident, from the Marines. I also wanted to encourage all of you to please leave your feeling and thoughts through any post comments. I think Tim will appreciate reading these while he is getting better, I am also working on making him a book ( which will be completed after he recovers) It will include all the comments, memories, and posts on the blog. So please feel free to post your thoughts whether they are funny, meaningful, memorable, about old times, new times, or anything that comes to mind!! I know he will appreciate reading them in his recovery.

Letter From the Marines

2009-05-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Okay first of all, this is the info I just got passed on:
Chief Bennett, LCpl Waldron, and Sgt Peters were all MEDEVACed from Djibouti to Landstuhl Germany on 26 May. They took the eight hour flight well, riding in style in the Air Force's fabulous specially equipped MEDEVAC aircraft with intensive care capability aboard. As per 13th MEU policy, they were escorted by an able-bodied fellow 13th MEU Marine (Cpl Beliveau from CLB-13) and arrived safely in Germany late Tuesday night.

Landstuhl is the standard stop for all casualties coming out of the Middle East and Africa. It is a full-service U.S. military hospital, with every kind of specialist necessary to treat our injured servicemen. Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan know that if they are injured but make it to Landstuhl, they have a 99% or better chance of survival.

Chief Bennett is checked in as a "regular" patient at Landstuhl and doing fine. He will soon be moved on back to San Diego to complete his recovery. He is fully alert and in contact with his command and his loved ones.

LCpl Waldron is in the Intensive Care Unit at Landstuhl and doing well. He will most likely be sent on to the United States within the next few days where he will get the additional reconstructive surgery and other treatment he needs. The medical team will work with his family to determine whether his follow-on work will be done at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland or out at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. Having had similar jaw reconstruction surgery at BOTH places, I can tell you he will get excellent care from the oral surgeons, but will NOT enjoy eating through a straw! Coordination is ongoing to get LCpl Waldron's family to him, most likely back in the United States.

Sgt Peters condition remains very serious. The good news is his CAT scan remained the same over the course of the first 24 hours and his safe movement to Landstuhl. He also continues to show movement in his limbs when he is periodically resuscitated from the induced coma. But he still has blood into his brain which does not bode well for long-term success. He is under constant watch with the finest of neurosurgeons and other specialists tending him and working through this difficult injury. He will most likely be moved on to the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda Maryland within the next few days and be joined there by his wife (who is a Marine Lieutenant) and other family members.

LtCol Tye R. Wallace

Another update Letter:

2009-05-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Families and Friends,

Another update from the MEU Commander on our injured Marines. Our prayers and wishes for a quick recovery are with them.

Chief Bennett still at Landstuhl (LRMC). Had surgical repair of his
fracture today. In contact with his wife and other family and friends.
Expect to medevac to Bethesda NNMC afternoon of 29 May.
LCpl Waldron still doing very well at Landstuhl. Some additional
shrapnel found and removed in surgery today. Extubated (out of induced coma
and breathing on own). Was able to talk to his mom today by phone-important
milestone! Expect to medevac to Bethesda NNMC afternoon of 29 May for
further treatment. His family will join him at Bethesda.
Sgt Peters condition remains very serious. Still in ICU at
Landstuhl. Tentative to medevac to Bethesda NNMC afternoon of 29 May. Family
in contact with care team at Landstuhl and will join him on arrival at
Bethesda.
I don't remember ANYTHING of my own Landstuhl experience from summer
2004, but I am very familiar with our procedures at Bethesda, and I can tell
you that the welcome and care and treatment that these injured warriors and
their families will receive from the staff there and especially from our
Marine Liaison office will make them proud to be Americans. The families
will travel on military funded orders and will be met and cared for by our
team and prepared for the difficult step of seeing their injured loved ones
for the first time. The injured will be met by Marines who will NEVER leave
them their entire time at Bethesda, but remain available 24/7 to support the
Marine and his family. The family and community networks of 13th MEU, BLT
1/1, and CLB-13 will add their own support. This difficult period working
through treatment at Bethesda is a great time to send your support to our
critically injured Marines and their families. Our FROs will provide the
info on how you can help.

D. W. Coffman

My Brave Marine

2009-05-27T15:06:00.001-07:00

Well here we are sitting here just thanking GOD that he answered our prayers. We were noified this morning that Tim is in Germany and doing well. Still in ICU in critical condition. The second surgery went well and they were able to remove all the shapnell to his body. His bile has been fixed and they have a tube inserted for drainage. The jaw will not be operated on until he gets back to the states due to the extensive swelling in his neck and throat. The muscle surrounding his heart was bruised but the Doctor said it looks good. He is still on a ventilater and will be until they send him home. And we are hoping that will be Friday or Saturday somewhere stateside. The Doctor also stated the recovery time will be somewhere around 2 months. Thank you all for your thought and prayers they were very much needed and appreciated and will not go unforgotten.

Thank you all again.

From ONE VERY PROUD MARINE MOM

Vicki

Marines Hurt In Action

2009-05-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have children you know the worst news is being told something is wrong. The phone call came in about 3:30 on Monday afternoon, and since then my life has been turned upside down.

Tim was injured in a live round exercise in Africa, him and three others. They loaded the mortar and it did not fire, instead it blew up on them. Tim took shapnell to the throat, chest and the stomach. The one in the stomach tore the bile and we think it has been repaired. The one to the throat missed the artery and we were told for that we are very lucky. The one in the chest they said tore the Pectoral Muscle and went into the tissue. The in pact was so strong the it also fractured his jaw. They are going to have to wire it shut for 4 to 6 weeks. We only know that one of the other boys injured was sent back to his unit with mild wounds. We were told Tim received the worst of the blast.

They medivaced him out of the site to an African Hospital and did the first surgery. When he was taken off the critical list and stable they prepared him for the flight to Germany. He is now listed in serious condition. They sent with him a Doctor, nurse, and resp therapist. and a sgt from his unit. He is on his way Lungstuhl Regional Medical Center, where they will perform another surgery. Tim has a breathing tube and chest tube and I am sure in my heart those are just for the comfort and stability of flight.

The worst part of all of this is this is all we KNOW. Nothing new and I am very frustrated, tired, confused.

Please pray for Tim, this is a parents worst nightmare and I say parents because Rick is having such a hard time.

GOD Bless to all who read this and keep him in your prayers. He is such a strong young man but he is still my little boy.

Thank you

Vicki Waldron

PROUD MOM OF A UNITED STATES MARINE