Both husband and wife injured in Bush's wars...

[kentuck]

http://www.middlesborodailynews.com/articles/2006/12/29/news/757soldier.txt

<snip>
Claiborne County soldier Pvt. Sue Downes condition is improving at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.

Downes was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near her HumVee in Afghanistan on Nov. 29. Three other occupants of the vehicle were killed.

Downes lost a significant portion of both legs, a kidney, spleen and a portion of her liver as a result of the injuries. Early medical reports said she was in further danger due to infection. That infection is now coming under control and she is expected to survive. She was a combat veteran and highly qualified gunner before volunteering to return to the Middle East area of conflict.

Downes' husband, Gabriel, is also a disabled veteran as a result of back injuries received while on duty in Iraq. As of this writing he has not been certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs and currently receives no disability compensation. Scott Marlow of the Claiborne County Veterans Office says that he expects the VA to approve the claim in the foreseeable future.

Gabriel, children Austin and Alexis, and mother Faye Partin have traveled to the hospital to spend Christmas. The Claiborne County American Legion Post accepted the responsibility of providing Christmas gifts for the children. The gifts were opened at the hospital. A Legion representative cited this as an example of "taking care of our own."
...more

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I'm glad the Legion stepped up to the plate

don't always agree with the leadership says, but the local chapters can and do help their own.

Do you suppose Sue Downes will also have trouble getting disablility? I'm surprised Bush doesn't charge her for her stay in the hospital.

[kentuck]

3. This is not a "middle-class" area of the country..

It is very poor. Part of Appalachia..

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Then I'm really not surprised

mountain folk tend to look after one another.

[Libby2]

2. Heartbreaking....