Heroes ~
Wounded Warrior Diaries: ‘Failure is Not an Option’
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2009 - Believing faithfully that failure is not an option is a guiding philosophy for a former Army staff sergeant who, despite his injuries in combat, applies it to his life daily.Staff Sgt. Joe Beimfohr advanced in his military career, serving as a recruiter, then as section sergeant in charge of the health, welfare and training of soldiers. In January 2005, he was assigned to 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, at Fort Riley, Kan., and was deployed to Baqouba, Iraq. He was severely wounded on July 5 of that year when an improvised explosive device exploded on his patrol north of Baghdad.
(h/t MyVetwork)
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SSG Jamyn Peterson wouldn’t describe himself as a hero, he said. But during his last deployment to the remote Oruzgan province in Afghanistan from December 2006 until January 2008, the Army Reservist repeatedly demonstrated his dedication to his comrades and to his duties.
The second Bronze Star recognized his performance as team leader as “absolutely phenomenal,” according to the award citation. But it was the bravery he demonstrated during an ambush that earned him the Bronze Star with ‘Valor.”
(h/t Family Security Matters)
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Commentary: Wounded Warriors Stay Positive
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2009 - Yesterday I went to Karen Wagner Gym at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center complex here to interview and photograph wounded warriors playing wheelchair basketball.
Basketball is just one of a host of sports wounded warriors have the opportunity to participate in as they rehabilitate in military medical facilities around the country. Although I’ve never covered wheelchair basketball, I imagined it would have the same positive effect on our recovering veterans as other activities I’ve covered, such as Paralympic track and field, hand cycling and weightlifting, to name a few.
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