Photo By James Guzior | Col. Cirilito Sobejana, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Philippine Army G3,...... read more read more
TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii -- It's been 20 years since Col. Cirilito Sobejana, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Philippine Army G3, wondered if doctors would be able to save his nearly severed right arm.
During his recent visit to Oahu, he got to shake hands with Army medical staff, extending his thanks for the treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) and Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas, that allowed him to continue his career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the use of his arm.
Sobejana is a recipient of the AFP's equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor for actions taken against a terrorist organization in January of 1995.
After sustaining gun-shot wounds during a five-hour fire-fight, Sobejana was medically evacuated to a local hospital in the southern region of the Philippines and remained for four days until he was stable enough for transfer to a medical facility in Manila.
Sobejana was then informed by his military superiors that he would be sent abroad for advanced medical care in the United States.
"[My arm] was nearly severed. It was shattered ... At that time, our hospitals didn't have that capability yet to treat my injury," recalled Sobejana.
Sobejana spent 10 months receiving care at TAMC where he received almost a dozen separate operations, to include reconstructive surgery, which ultimately saved his hand.
"I was very impressed with the care and the way they treated me as a battle casualty," he said.
Sobejana then received post-operative care at BAMC.
The transfer allowed him to continue care with his primary physician who had since transitioned to the major medical facility.
"I reported to the hospital every day, Monday through Friday for my rehabilitation ... for four months."
After undergoing rehabilitation, Sobejana eventually regained his strength and his competitive edge.
"Now I can do pushups. I can do 50 to 60 pushups in one minute."
Sobejana, who was in Hawaii as part of a high-level planning conference between officials from the U.S. Army Pacific and the AFP, says he has enjoyed his 39 year career and looks forward to the next seven years before mandatory retirement. "I am happy now. I am happy doing my job, serving the people and securing the land.
He says he hopes to convey to the medical staff at both TAMC and BAMC the deep gratitude he feels for the care he received." I will not forget them. I always treasure the things that they did for me just to save my arm."
| Date Taken: | 04.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2015 21:02 |
| Story ID: | 159724 |
| Location: | TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, HI, US |
| Hometown: | MANILA, PH |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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