Hello and good mourning TT Family! Just got back again from the middle east.
12-03-2008, 03:11 PM
#31
Kyle was airlifted to Germany today. He has not lost his leg, and is able to wiggle his toes. Stil
don't know the details of the damage, but they think he should be able to walk again.
He is the leader of a 3-man EOD squad. He had one tour in Afganistan, and this is his third in Iraq. He has been over there about 4 months this time around. They were called on site to a suspicious object in the streets of Mosul. As standard procedure, they set up a wide security perimeter before getting to work. Once they started approaching the object, a car full of explosives rammed through the perimeter, and blew up. It was still quite a ways off from the EOD guys - Kyle was hit by a piece of the drive shaft to the upper leg (the most severe damage anyone took, other than the suicide driver, no one else had any severe wounds) and other shrapnel. One of the guys in his unit said it was a "million to one shot" that he would get hurt that bad being so far from the detonation, but it happened just the same.
Anyway, just thought I would give an update. He is due back in the US next week, and I should have more details then. I will update in this thread if anyone is interested.
He is the leader of a 3-man EOD squad. He had one tour in Afganistan, and this is his third in Iraq. He has been over there about 4 months this time around. They were called on site to a suspicious object in the streets of Mosul. As standard procedure, they set up a wide security perimeter before getting to work. Once they started approaching the object, a car full of explosives rammed through the perimeter, and blew up. It was still quite a ways off from the EOD guys - Kyle was hit by a piece of the drive shaft to the upper leg (the most severe damage anyone took, other than the suicide driver, no one else had any severe wounds) and other shrapnel. One of the guys in his unit said it was a "million to one shot" that he would get hurt that bad being so far from the detonation, but it happened just the same.
Anyway, just thought I would give an update. He is due back in the US next week, and I should have more details then. I will update in this thread if anyone is interested.
12-04-2008, 05:29 AM
#34
Here is an update from Kyle's father (I work with him):
Here is the progress within the last 24 hours
Yesterday afternoon:
Andrew confirmed that Kyle made it okay to Balad. He recognized Andrew, and motioned towards him with his hands. He couldn't talk because of the tube in his throat. Injuries are limited to the leg wound only. Drew (Andrew) was talking with a Major (medical doctor) and she was telling Drew that they were taking good care of Kyle just as the truck hit a curb - Kyle looked at the Major and gave her a "glare" (for Kyle, this is a good sign).
Andrew (Kyle's brother) was able to talk with Kyle after the Operating Room procedure in Balad AFB (near Baghdad, Iraq). The procedure was to clean the wounds and redress bandage. A Vascular Surgeon looked at
Kyle's leg and was pleased with the bloodflow to the foot.
Andrew and Kyle tried using handsignals (Kyle had tube in throat) to communicate but quickly changed to Andrew talking and Kyle writing on dry erase slate.
Conversation highlights:
1) Kyle asked if he still had both feet - Andrew replied "Yes"
2) Kyle asked if he would ever walk again - Andrew replied "Yes, but it will be a long recovery process, but you are going to make it"
( this is the question Kyle was trying to motion with his fingers to Andrew when he got off the plane)
3) The surgical team was introduced to Kyle - he wrote on the slate "Thank you"
4) Then Kyle wrote on the slate "Silly terrorists, TRIX are for kids!" (very glad to see he has his sense of humor)
Andrew was able to see him off on the plane to Germany at 3:00AM Iraq time
Today (so far):
Andrew called this morning and gave us more details concerning Kyle's injuries. The whole incident had been video recorded by a security helicopter from above and Andrew reviewed the recording, he shared with us the details. To save space in this update I will not include them, but if interested I can discuss information regarding the incident on a verbal basis.
The shrapnel that hit Kyle was an 18" section of drive shaft from the vehicle that exploded. ( I was incorrect in my original thought that it was a connecting rod) It did sever the muscle - but also broke the bone very badly. The good news is that all the pieces are present
Kyle has been in Germany and we have received word (through Megan - Kyle's wife) that he will be arriving in United States by 2200hr (10:00PM) Friday night. He will be going to Walter Reed Army Hospital.
Yesterday afternoon:
Andrew confirmed that Kyle made it okay to Balad. He recognized Andrew, and motioned towards him with his hands. He couldn't talk because of the tube in his throat. Injuries are limited to the leg wound only. Drew (Andrew) was talking with a Major (medical doctor) and she was telling Drew that they were taking good care of Kyle just as the truck hit a curb - Kyle looked at the Major and gave her a "glare" (for Kyle, this is a good sign).
Andrew (Kyle's brother) was able to talk with Kyle after the Operating Room procedure in Balad AFB (near Baghdad, Iraq). The procedure was to clean the wounds and redress bandage. A Vascular Surgeon looked at
Kyle's leg and was pleased with the bloodflow to the foot.
Andrew and Kyle tried using handsignals (Kyle had tube in throat) to communicate but quickly changed to Andrew talking and Kyle writing on dry erase slate.
Conversation highlights:
1) Kyle asked if he still had both feet - Andrew replied "Yes"
2) Kyle asked if he would ever walk again - Andrew replied "Yes, but it will be a long recovery process, but you are going to make it"
( this is the question Kyle was trying to motion with his fingers to Andrew when he got off the plane)
3) The surgical team was introduced to Kyle - he wrote on the slate "Thank you"
4) Then Kyle wrote on the slate "Silly terrorists, TRIX are for kids!" (very glad to see he has his sense of humor)
Andrew was able to see him off on the plane to Germany at 3:00AM Iraq time
Today (so far):
Andrew called this morning and gave us more details concerning Kyle's injuries. The whole incident had been video recorded by a security helicopter from above and Andrew reviewed the recording, he shared with us the details. To save space in this update I will not include them, but if interested I can discuss information regarding the incident on a verbal basis.
The shrapnel that hit Kyle was an 18" section of drive shaft from the vehicle that exploded. ( I was incorrect in my original thought that it was a connecting rod) It did sever the muscle - but also broke the bone very badly. The good news is that all the pieces are present
Kyle has been in Germany and we have received word (through Megan - Kyle's wife) that he will be arriving in United States by 2200hr (10:00PM) Friday night. He will be going to Walter Reed Army Hospital.
12-07-2008, 08:06 PM
#37
Another update on Kyle (he and his family are now at Walter Reed)...
From his father, Mitch:
Kyle had 1st surgery on 06Dec08 and DRs were pleased. Results/progress still positive and future expectations are still very good! Prior to the surgery the DRs were talking five to six surgeries. Now they are talking three to four surgeries.
There was a lot of pain after the surgery and he had to fight thru it until the nurse found a bad IV connector. The nurse was working hard and got it fixed. Unfortunately Kyle was in much pain until it was resolved.
Later Saturday night had another "bout' with pain and it was early morning on Sunday before it was under control but he was able to get six -seven hours of much needed continuous sleep.
The support here is tremendous and almost too much to describe - but some significant highlights include a personal visit from retired Major General Julian Burns, vice president of BAE Systems. His company makes the MRAP vehicles which are preventing fatalities from IED attacks. His visit was spiritually encouraging and his faith in GOD was inspiring. Four fellow EOD tech personal visits including:
1) an USAF tech whose foot had been blow off in a blast in Iraq but was restored to health, now is functioning very well and will be deploying
to Afghanistan in early 09
2) local EOD of 26 yrs experience who is involved in the development of new support technology
3) another tech who lost a leg but is now supporting the Walter Reed hospital effort
4) Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Todd - involved in the uh- (well better not really say) but it is good stuff
Each of these heroes were incredibly encouraging and it was an honor to be in there presence. Kyle's unit is keeping in good contact
and giving their support also (this is a story in itself)
Sunday was much better for Kyle from the leg pain perspective but had some severe headaches and not being able to eat. Before leaving for the hotel we were able to get him to eat some and I think his headache has improved.
At six AM EST on Monday - Kyle will have a major reconstructive surgery this will be the first of several through the week. The goal is to have them all done by the end of the week. The surgery time for tomorrow will be six to eight hours at least. The doctors will be using metal plates and screws to correct the broken bones. They have told us very detailed plans and Kyle says he is ready to get on with the reconstruction.
As you may have noticed I believe in praying specifically - it helps to see the LORD at work. Our adversary would have us to forget
what the LORD has done and focus only upon the present barriers. Rejoice with me in how our GOD has provided as it gives us
confidence that HE will complete the work that HE has started.
Should you be touched to pray here are things you can pray about:
1) that his knee will be saved and he will be restored to good physical
health.-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------IN PROGRESS/ONGOING/LOOKING VERY GOOD/
CONSIDERED ANSWERED AS DOCTORS SAY HE WILL WALK BUT NOT READY TO GUARANTEE HE WILL RUN
2) good weather in Iraq so plane/medivac can get him into Balad AFB to the medical facility------------------ ANSWERED
3) stable medical conditions so he can be quickly moved to Germany----------------------------------------- ANSWERED
4) good weather in Iraq/Germany so plane can get him out of Balad AFB to the medical facility in Germany----ANSWERED
5) fast movement from Germany to the US where we can be with him---------------------------------------- ANSWERED
6) GOD's guidance and support to his brother who is there (and PROTECTION) --------------------------- ANSWERED/IN THE USA/
WILL RETURN TO IRAQ AFTER NEWYEAR
7) we would love to be able to speak to him just to hear his voice---------------------------------------------ANSWERED
8) GOD's guidance as we help him through the recovery process--------------------------------------------- ONGOING
& nbsp; GOD IS ANSWERING HERE
9) GOD and Kyle's relationship is renewed (and us all) in a fresh, new, and clear way
10) Pray for all of our troops as they are always in harm's way (even when not in Iraq)
******** NEW PRAYER ITEMS**********
11) that GOD will guide these VERY skilled surgeons to be successful
12) infection will be avoided
13) no blood clots in Kyle's system
14) his post surgery pain can be managed well
15) surgeries will be maximum effective in his recovery
16) Kyle will be able to eat to support the healing process of his body
17) No pneumonia or secondary effects would set in
GOD has been very good, let us praise HIS name.
Kyle had 1st surgery on 06Dec08 and DRs were pleased. Results/progress still positive and future expectations are still very good! Prior to the surgery the DRs were talking five to six surgeries. Now they are talking three to four surgeries.
There was a lot of pain after the surgery and he had to fight thru it until the nurse found a bad IV connector. The nurse was working hard and got it fixed. Unfortunately Kyle was in much pain until it was resolved.
Later Saturday night had another "bout' with pain and it was early morning on Sunday before it was under control but he was able to get six -seven hours of much needed continuous sleep.
The support here is tremendous and almost too much to describe - but some significant highlights include a personal visit from retired Major General Julian Burns, vice president of BAE Systems. His company makes the MRAP vehicles which are preventing fatalities from IED attacks. His visit was spiritually encouraging and his faith in GOD was inspiring. Four fellow EOD tech personal visits including:
1) an USAF tech whose foot had been blow off in a blast in Iraq but was restored to health, now is functioning very well and will be deploying
to Afghanistan in early 09
2) local EOD of 26 yrs experience who is involved in the development of new support technology
3) another tech who lost a leg but is now supporting the Walter Reed hospital effort
4) Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Todd - involved in the uh- (well better not really say) but it is good stuff
Each of these heroes were incredibly encouraging and it was an honor to be in there presence. Kyle's unit is keeping in good contact
and giving their support also (this is a story in itself)
Sunday was much better for Kyle from the leg pain perspective but had some severe headaches and not being able to eat. Before leaving for the hotel we were able to get him to eat some and I think his headache has improved.
At six AM EST on Monday - Kyle will have a major reconstructive surgery this will be the first of several through the week. The goal is to have them all done by the end of the week. The surgery time for tomorrow will be six to eight hours at least. The doctors will be using metal plates and screws to correct the broken bones. They have told us very detailed plans and Kyle says he is ready to get on with the reconstruction.
As you may have noticed I believe in praying specifically - it helps to see the LORD at work. Our adversary would have us to forget
what the LORD has done and focus only upon the present barriers. Rejoice with me in how our GOD has provided as it gives us
confidence that HE will complete the work that HE has started.
Should you be touched to pray here are things you can pray about:
1) that his knee will be saved and he will be restored to good physical
health.-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------IN PROGRESS/ONGOING/LOOKING VERY GOOD/
CONSIDERED ANSWERED AS DOCTORS SAY HE WILL WALK BUT NOT READY TO GUARANTEE HE WILL RUN
2) good weather in Iraq so plane/medivac can get him into Balad AFB to the medical facility------------------ ANSWERED
3) stable medical conditions so he can be quickly moved to Germany----------------------------------------- ANSWERED
4) good weather in Iraq/Germany so plane can get him out of Balad AFB to the medical facility in Germany----ANSWERED
5) fast movement from Germany to the US where we can be with him---------------------------------------- ANSWERED
6) GOD's guidance and support to his brother who is there (and PROTECTION) --------------------------- ANSWERED/IN THE USA/
WILL RETURN TO IRAQ AFTER NEWYEAR
7) we would love to be able to speak to him just to hear his voice---------------------------------------------ANSWERED
8) GOD's guidance as we help him through the recovery process--------------------------------------------- ONGOING
& nbsp; GOD IS ANSWERING HERE
9) GOD and Kyle's relationship is renewed (and us all) in a fresh, new, and clear way
10) Pray for all of our troops as they are always in harm's way (even when not in Iraq)
******** NEW PRAYER ITEMS**********
11) that GOD will guide these VERY skilled surgeons to be successful
12) infection will be avoided
13) no blood clots in Kyle's system
14) his post surgery pain can be managed well
15) surgeries will be maximum effective in his recovery
16) Kyle will be able to eat to support the healing process of his body
17) No pneumonia or secondary effects would set in
GOD has been very good, let us praise HIS name.
12-08-2008, 01:00 AM
#38
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We pray that Your will be done Lord
That Kyle is restored in health, mind and Faith, and that You help him find Your purpose for him in this difficult time. We give thanks for his curent state, and that all things manifested are a reflection of Your will.
We praise you for all that is, seen and unseen.
Amen.
Rest well, Warrior.
We praise you for all that is, seen and unseen.
Amen.
Rest well, Warrior.
12-08-2008, 04:24 AM
#39
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Let us know if/when he will be part of a Wounded Warrior Visit to the Pentagon. I will attend.
They are having one this Friday for 40 Walter Reed patients, but I will be on vacation.
I've been meaning to go to one of them.
I've been meaning to go to one of them.
12-11-2008, 04:31 AM
#40
Latest update from Mitch, now with pictures!
Here is Kyle's leg:
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Al5UCO6eLmE/ST8ergl46xI/AAAAAAAACeE/PDGJNG9tWR0/s512/DSC_0366.JPG">
More pix here: http://picasaweb.google.com/MitchStipp2/KyleSIraqWound?authkey=iN7J9joRmdg&feat=email# 5277788588776449154
Latest update:
Kyle went through Monday's surgery very well with the surgeon coming out early and telling us when they looked at the broken bones that they say it didn't look as bad as they first thought and they found a simplier way to reconstruct. (Praise GOD). Kyle consented to using a nerve block on his legs and it has significantly helped the pain control issues. He is much more alert. Monday night Kyle, Megan, his mom, and I played cards.
Kyle had another surgery today, very short and not nearly as invasive as the previous major reconstruction. This was to plant a patch that will allow a skin graft surgery later to close an open wound. The next surgery will be 5-15 days later, this will also be a short surgery. Then there will be further surgeries but out later (over 6-8 weeks later).
Kyle started therapy today (yes same day as surgery). It is important to do this to avoid bone going in the tissue areas ( a matter for prayer). He stood up (no weight on wounded leg) and moved things around. He took a ride in a cart and got to see a bit more of the hospital. His First Sergeant will be pleased to know he got his haircut today. And he worked his knee joint with a machine that reduce the scar tissue.
Progress is really going very well. GOD has been great (no surprise there).
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Al5UCO6eLmE/ST8ergl46xI/AAAAAAAACeE/PDGJNG9tWR0/s512/DSC_0366.JPG">
More pix here: http://picasaweb.google.com/MitchStipp2/KyleSIraqWound?authkey=iN7J9joRmdg&feat=email# 5277788588776449154
Latest update:
Kyle went through Monday's surgery very well with the surgeon coming out early and telling us when they looked at the broken bones that they say it didn't look as bad as they first thought and they found a simplier way to reconstruct. (Praise GOD). Kyle consented to using a nerve block on his legs and it has significantly helped the pain control issues. He is much more alert. Monday night Kyle, Megan, his mom, and I played cards.
Kyle had another surgery today, very short and not nearly as invasive as the previous major reconstruction. This was to plant a patch that will allow a skin graft surgery later to close an open wound. The next surgery will be 5-15 days later, this will also be a short surgery. Then there will be further surgeries but out later (over 6-8 weeks later).
Kyle started therapy today (yes same day as surgery). It is important to do this to avoid bone going in the tissue areas ( a matter for prayer). He stood up (no weight on wounded leg) and moved things around. He took a ride in a cart and got to see a bit more of the hospital. His First Sergeant will be pleased to know he got his haircut today. And he worked his knee joint with a machine that reduce the scar tissue.
Progress is really going very well. GOD has been great (no surprise there).