JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – A pair of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters descend through the already intense heat of an Iraq summer morning carrying seven warriors bearing the physical and mental wounds of war to Joint Base Balad Theater Hospital.
While their wounds have already received treatment, the process of healing is not yet complete for these six soldiers and one Marine.
These warriors participated in Operation Proper Exit, sponsored by the Troops First Foundation and the United Service Organization, June 29 at JBB, part of a week-long tour of the country.
OPE provides service members who were injured during their deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan an opportunity to return and see the changes that have occurred because of their service and sacrifice, and continue the healing process.
“From the time we landed, these warriors were bigger, better, faster and stronger to a man,” said Rick Kell, executive director of the Troops First Foundation.
He explained the structure, demanding itinerary and wearing of the uniform again were responsible for this change that the soldiers could bring home with them.
“I didn’t really understand their perspective, their desire to go back, until I heard it many times and I was convinced they had legitimate reasons for wanting to come back, far beyond my comprehension,” said Kell.
After obtaining the wholehearted support of Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, OPE 1 began in June 2009. This is the tenth mission, bringing the total number of participants to 77.
For this OPE, the seven participants were greeted at the Hero’s Highway entrance to JBB’s Theater Hospital by more than 30 soldiers of the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and airmen of the hospital staff.
Brig. Gen. Don S. Cornett, Jr., commanding general of the 310th ESC and an Aurora, Neb., native, welcomed the wounded warriors back to the place where some had received their treatment. After entering the hospital, the participants then told the audience, clustered in the emergency room, a little about their unique experiences and what the chance to return to Iraq meant to them.
“I have the curse and the blessing of remembering everything from the blast to hitting the [Combat Support Hospital] in the Green Zone,” said retired Sgt. Saul Martinez, a Bloomington, Calif., native.
Martinez lost his legs in an improvised explosive device attack in 2006 while serving with the 3rd Infantry Division in which two comrades were killed. He, along with the other participants, thanked the military medical professionals who saved his life and all medical personnel for what they do.
For some of the OPE service members, the memories of their event were a little different.
“Most people couldn’t believe it when we entered the CSH, because we couldn’t stop laughing,” said retired Cpl. Josh Joseph, an Indianapolis, Ind., native.
Joseph sustained several gunshot and mortar wounds in a firefight in Mosul in 2005 while with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He said when he awoke several days later, all he wanted was a hug.
In a unique twist, Joseph was able to briefly reunite with his fiancée, Sgt. Felicya Adams, a public affairs non-commissioned officer with the 310th ESC, and a Seattle, Wash., native who is stationed at JBB.
Retired Staff Sgt. Bobby Henline, a Santa Clara, Calif. native, sustained severe burns to the head and entire left side of his body, as well as losing his left hand in an IED attack in 2007 while serving with the 573rd Cavalry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. Previously an atheist, Henline believes God kept him alive for a purpose, to be there for his family and to inspire others.
“I can’t waste what I’ve been given and let them die in vain, sitting around feeling sorry for myself,” he said.
Henline had the opportunity to tell his story on National Public Radio, and the fact that he was able to touch the lives of strangers by telling his story inspired him to pursue a career in inspirational speaking and stand up comedy.
All of the participants expressed gratitude for the medical personnel that saved their lives and those at JBB who are always ready to do the same for service members currently on deployment. Many, like Henline, said their experience has inspired them to choose a career that helps veterans.
After a brief tour of the hospital, participants had a chance to tour a hangar containing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and an F-16, followed by a reception and lunch in the Audie Murphy Room at Dining Facility 1.
“This trip has given me peace of mind,” said retired Spc. Steven Patterson, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry, and an Oxford, Ala., native. “It’s been a blessing to be here.”
Restoring wounded veterans’ peace of mind and helping them complete the healing process is what inspired Kell to cofound Operation Proper Exit with pro golfer and sports broadcaster David Feherty.
“It’s incumbent upon all of us on the civilian side to understand that this is not charity,” said Kell. “When we do things for the service men and women and their families, it’s really recognition of a debt.
Everyone should get involved in some capacity to assist warriors and their families at home.”
| Date Taken: |
06.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
07.03.2011 02:33 |
| Story ID: |
73171 |
| Location: |
JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: |
133 |
| Downloads: |
1 |
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This work, Service members get second chance with Operation Proper Exit, by SFC Zane Craig, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
