GySgt William E. Gibson was just added (27 Jan 08) but I thought he deserved special mention. From his post:

I am the first above-the-knee amputee to serve in a combat enviroment.

I am awestruck!  Huge civilian salute to this Marine!  Thank you for posting this, Jenifer.

--Marilyn

Spanky was deployed to Iraq in January 2006 as a Joint Terminal Aircraft Controller. From a forward position, he coordinated, integrated and directed the actions of combat aircraft engaged in Close Air Support (CAS) and other offensive air operations. On 16 May 2006, Spanky was injured while conducting a foot patrol in Ramadi. He was attached to the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, 1st BN, when he was shot by a sniper in the left knee cap. His wounds resulted in the loss of his left leg, just above the knee.

Spanky has spent the last 11 months rehabilitating at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is scheduled to be transferred to Marine Detachment, Ft Sill, OK, in May 2006, to become the chief instructor for the Marine Artillery Scout Observer/Chiefs Course. His check-in date is May 15th, one day short of a year from the date of his injury. He is very proud of this, as he had told everyone that he would return to work in a year. His goal is to stay in the Marine Corps and retire with more than 20 years of service.

During his free time and to get back in shape, Spanky trained for the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon. He competed in the hand cycle division as a way to support the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. He stated, "my family received numerous levels of support from the IMSFF and I felt obligated to show my appreciation. I never knew about the IMSFF and now that I do, I want to share the information with all Marines"

When IMSFF started Team Semper Fi, Spanky was one of the first to sign up. Because of his love of sports, his can- do attitude, and his infectious personality, IMSFF hired Spanky to work part-time as a coach and the Assistant Program Manager for the team.He brings a first hand understanding of the challenges facing those who have lost a leg, to his role as mentor and coach. His goal is to help speed the recovery of others who are injured by encouraging them to become a part of Team Semper Fi and motivating them to push their limits.

Wow!  Thanks for posting this! 

--Marilyn

What a truly inspiring Marine, sure gives the youngsters someone to emulate.  Thanks for sharing!

Anita

that's truly inspiring

thanks for pointing him out

Every day, I log on here and encounter something that makes me either cry or makes my heart expand with pride. Most often, both are inspired by the same thing. This is genuinely one of those situations. What a wonderful example of these incredible men and women who've chosen to put their lives on the line to protect us and our way of life!!

Reta

FYI: There's a link on GySgt Gibson's posting today, 10 April, to a great article about him.

Hello room, i just want you all to know, i Met GySgt Gibson on his way threw kuwait going back to the states to recieve and award. he is a wonderful guy and he does deserve all the respect in the world, ...lol thanks for thinking about our solders and all that you do for them.

Shane

Oh, Wow!  That's really cool, Shane!  He really is amazing, isn't he?  But then, I think you ALL are

Thanks for doing what YOU do! 

Thanks for sharing, Shane!

And we're glad to do what we do, because it's our way of saying THANKS to you all.

MSgt Gibson updated today, and had a request for us:

I would like for all of you to google Cpl Garret Jones. He is another above the knee amputee who is serving now in Afghanistan.

I did as he requested, and here is a link to a story about CPL Jones:

Cpl. Garrett Jones: Semper Fidelis