A father’s love without regret

Courtesy Photo | Master Sgt. Roger Lammey's family, including his in-laws who came from Las Vegas to help support them when they needed it. The Lammey family and extended family all do their part to take care of each other.  

SALAH AD DIN, IRAQ

06.17.2011

Story by Senior Airman Amber Kelly-Herard 

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

SALAH AD DIN, Iraq - In 1994, then Senior Airman Roger Lammey, met his wife, Michaela in Las Vegas through a mutual friend.

They later married and became a family which includes stepson Shakia Horn, 22, Dyshali, 16, and Akiano, 11.

Mrs. Lammey worked as a registered nurse. Tragically, when she was 38-years-old she suffered a stroke. She recovered and found a less stressful job at a geriatrics doctor’s office. At 41, she suffered from a second stroke.

“She had six months of in and out treatment and a month-and-a-half of physical and occupational therapy so she could learn how to speak, walk and eat by herself and regain strength on her right side,” said Master Sgt. Lammey, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing FOD prevention monitor. “She went from being in a wheelchair, to a walker, then to a cane and now walking by herself.”

“It was difficult to keep up with work and help her with treatment since I was the only one able to drive,” said the sergeant who is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. “My work was very supportive though, they knew if I came in early it was because I had to leave in the afternoon or if I came in late it was because I had an appointment.”

“It was a challenge to help her eat, get dressed and take care of the house,” continued Lammey, who is originally from South Dakota, but now considers Sumter, S.C., his home.

Since then, Mrs. Lammey has become more independent and is able to do the things was did prior to her strokes.

To help the Lammey family, Mrs. Lammey’s parents moved from Las Vegas to help take care of them.

“They treat me just like their son,” said Lammey. “My in-laws are really supportive and help out a lot by watching the kids while I was at work or with Mikki at her appointments. I couldn’t have asked for better in-laws.”

“With Dyshali now driving, he helps out while I am here,” he added. Lammey was deployed to Joint Base Balad May to October of last year, as well as this year.

“It hard not being able to be there and not knowing what’s happening,” he said. “I also like to be there for her doctor’s appointments to be able to clearly explain what’s going on because sometimes she can’t remember.”

Lammey credits his supervisor for being supportive.

“My unit provides me a stable home environment and the mental and emotional help needed to figure out what I need to do,” he said. “He [his supervisor] also is good about pulling me aside when I look stressed.”

Their middle child, Dyshali, seemed to catch any illness as a child. It was not until he was six-years-old that doctors discovered he had an immune system deficiency. Before this diagnosis, Dyshali spent most of his life in-and-out of a hospital, but since then whenever he is sick he can go to the hospital, be treated and leave shortly after.

“He’s been perfectly healthy since then and mostly goes to the doctor only for an annual check-up like most children,” said Lammey.

Recently Dysahli was named Youth of the Year at Shaw AFB and he will progress to the 2011 Air Combat Command Teen of the Year competition. His dream is to become an oncologist or hematologist to help other kids who have his deficiency and he hopes to find a cure one day.

The family’s oldest, Army Spc. Horn, joined the Army in 2009 to become an Army Ranger. While in jump schooled he injured his knee and was medically removed from the program until he heals. He hopes to return to jump school after his tour in Iraq to become an Army Ranger.

Currently, Horn is stationed near Mosul, Iraq, as a vehicle operator. Lammey hopes to be able to visit his son in Iraq if he can.

Horn’s dream is to earn a bachelor’s degree and become an officer.

The Lammey’s youngest, Akiano, plays baseball and soccer and one day want to become a Army sniper.

“He is always willing to help around the house and helps my wife do anything,” said Lammey.

Despite all the challenges that have been presented to Lammey family, Lammey would not change anything.

“Our life has been full of trials and errors, but I wouldn’t replace it with anyone else’s,” he said. “To Mikki, it is your love and courage that has been the foundation of our marriage. You love without regret, you love without pause and you love unconditionally. It is your love that keeps me going day after day.”

“To my boys, you have given me love and support for which there is no replacement,” he continued. “You will forever be the bright spot of my life for which I will forever cherish.”

When Lammey returns, he plans to take his family on a vacation.

• Date Taken: 06.17.2011
• Date Posted: 06.17.2011 09:01
• Story ID: 72257
• Location: SALAH AD DIN, IQ