Chapter Officers and contacts-- please share: ALR 1 ( Topeka ) Director Bart Steele's son Gage was injured IED last Wed. The family as you can imagine is very concerned and busy - if you would like to send a letter / card of encouragement to Gage send to Bart Steele , 2748 SE 29th St. , Topeka, Ks 66605 " Thanks For What You Do - God Bless the Steele family " Cregg ( Bronco 6 ) p.s. Gage e-mail
gage.skdrla@gmail.com The Following is an update on the condition of Gage Skrdla “$teele” Bart and Traci’s son.
Bomb explodes near Green Zone
14/11/2007 17:12 - (SA)
Baghdad - A roadside bomb has exploded next to a US military patrol near Baghdad's Green Zone early on Wednesday, killing one military and wounding four.
Series of events
Wednesday
All times are local
0617 - Traci and Bart received the phone call that identified Gage as one of the wounded soldiers.
0900 - Traci and Bart received a phone call from the Doctors and nursing staff in Baghdad explaining Gages injuries and the plan to get him out of Iraq. Gage lost sight in both eyes and shrapnel from the bomb is throughout his body.
1000 – The Commander of Gages unit calls from Iraq and explains in brief what happened.
1200 – Doctor and nursing staff call from Iraq and place Gage on the phone. His voice is frantic and confused and he stated, “Mom I can’s see.” In his next breathe, Gage explains his Lt was killed and breaks down in sorrow.
2200 – Gages nurse from Iraq calls and states, “Gage is a very considerate and thoughtful young man.” She also recommends a couple of different books on CD and tells us that Gage is on the way to Landstuhl, Germany.
Thursday
We would receive updates from the US Army on his condition and movements. We were able to speak with Gage and his spirits and understand of what happened were much better.
On Friday the US Army called with family invitations orders to Walter Reed Army Hospital to visit Gage. We will be departing for Washington DC on Saturday Morning and staying until about Sunday November 25, 2007.
The Doctors will be trying to save the eye with the least amount of damage. We will keep you posted.
The fact that we will be with Gage for Thanksgiving and that the Green Bay Packers are playing football that same day should make this a very memorable turkey day.
Traci and I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in this. Believe me when I say, “The people who stopped by the house or called can’t be listed on this one email because I am not that fast of a typist. I would be here all day typing names.”
The few agencies and people I am listing need a, “Special Thanks.” They are in no particular order and ranks were not used because, well…. I usually don’t use them anyway.
East High School of Wichita, Ks. You did more than you needed and with tears in our eyes, we say, “Thank you.”
The 190th Family Support, Denise you are amazing and thank you for your efforts.
The 190th Chaplain, Thank you for your phone call, we may not be the most religious family but if we can be touched by your prayer I feel there is hope. P.S. Can you pull for the Packers on Thanksgiving Day?
Tim Johnson and Joe Getsinger, -My bosses. Thanks guys you made this tragedy a lot easier. I know I am pushing my luck here but can you guys pull for the Pack on Thanksgiving Day also?
Terry Kerns Thanks for everything in the past, in the present and for life, you’re a true friend.
Randy Hansen and the ALR Thank you for running the meeting Thursday eve.
190th OPS guys, you know who you are and after Thursday night you made a believer out of Traci. She now understands the Kansas Air Guard and the Military way of taking care of people.
Post 1 American Legion Topeka, Ks. I went over to help hang flags at about noon on Thursday but, Big John had already completed that task. Well…to put in simply, it was not easy driving out of the lot with 50+ flags flying and our eyes tearing up.
The US ARMY and the way they handled the information and the updates was simply amazing. Thank you for your dedication and professionalism.
The Patriot Guard for funding our younger sons trip to see his Brother.
Thank you
Bart and Traci $teele
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