Call to Action: PFC Hunter Levine
I received this information today (from Email Our Military) and it nearly broke my heart! (actually it brought me to tears) I thought I HAVE to do something for this young man!
As many of us, who are living this life, know , we are one BIG military family. Well… one of our own needs our help!
For those not in the military…if you have ever wondered “what can I do for our wounded warriors”, well THIS IS IT!!!! You can read his story below …
If you would like to send cards, letters and/or care packages… please let me know. You can email me at tammy . munson @ gmail . com (don’t include spaces)
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From 1SG Brian M. Disque
I know a young man who is in desperate need of help. His name is PFC Hunter Levine. He is 20 years old and hails from Houston, TX.
He was in my company and was wounded on 9 May, 2008 while conducting combat operations in East Baghdad. He received a very serious injury to his face, resulting in the loss of his entire bone structure, mouth, nose, and vision.
He was evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital where the doctors performed numerous surgeries to repair his
face. I was fortunate enough to attend a Purple Heart Ceremony at Walter Reed while I was home on leave in June. I was also able to meet with Hunter’s father Beau.
Hunter was then transferred to a VA hospital in Palo Alto, where the best care for his vision would be available. He is a true fighter with a heart of gold.
Bad News
Unfortunately, I received some bad news from the hospital doctors. Lately, he has been resisting treatment and being somewhat combative with the hospital staff. He has had a few outbursts and the staff is real worried about him. It seems like a serious case of depression is setting in.
Although his wounds on the outside may look bad, they may never compare with the wounds he has on the inside.
I spoke with him on the phone this evening, and he seemed real down. The reality is that he still has a long road to recover and may never see again. This young man has everything to live for and is a true inspiration. He is exactly the kind of person we would all want in a brother, son, or friend. I feel obligated to try and rally some support for him. I know we have a lot of caring people out there who would love to do something special for an outstanding American who gave his all for his country.
Call to Action
If you know of any church groups, school room classes, or other benevolent organizations that would be interested in assisting this brave young man, please forward this message on to them.
He is a pretty typical young man, so he likes sports and other typical young men stuff. A small care package with some goodies and such would mean the world.
Again, please forward this message to as many people as you know. It would be so great if we can all give way together and show Hunter that his country will never forget his sacrifices or service. He is down and needs our help.
Thank you for your support, it means everything.
V/R,
1SG Brian M. Disque
C CO 2-30 IN
“Our Country, Not Ourselves!”
October 18th, 2008 at 2:01 am
[...] I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who emailed me over the last 24 hours about PFC Levine. If I haven’t responded to you yet.. don’t worry I will [...]
October 18th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Thanks so much for taking this to our military community and extending the outreach. It is much appreciated!
Trish | eMail Our Militarys last blog post..Corporal Candy Corn Headed to Next Duty Station
October 21st, 2008 at 1:19 am
oh this makes me cry-I will email and see what I can do
October 21st, 2008 at 5:24 pm
[...] just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who emailed/commented over the last 24 hours about PFC Levine. If I haven’t responded to you yet.. don’t worry I will tonight/tomorrow. There has been an [...]
October 21st, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Is he still in Palo Alto? I would love to send him something…My son is in Baghdad. This Army Mom sends all her love and prayers to Hunter to show our family’s support. Hunter is so much a hero at such a young age. God bless him and his family.
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Again, thanks so much for helping us reach out to our fellow troop supporters. We appreciate it!
Trish | eMail Our Militarys last blog post..Use Your Computer to Support Troops
October 24th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I am an Army mom, and my son will leave for Afghanistan in Feb. I would love to be part of an effort that sends cards, letters and tokens of appreciation to Pfc. Levine, and also to any other service member in need who is deployed. Thank God for our men and women in uniform!
October 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
This story made me cry, and I know there is alot more stories like this, and
I would so like to send cards and tell him how much he means to us.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
[...] go here to the Parents’ Zone to read about the plight of PFC Hunter Levine. His story is one of courage and strength. But, at times, even the strongest of us need the strength, [...]
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I come from a huge family of Veterans and I have been asked to say a few words on behalf of the “family”. You see, every one of my brothers and sisters are Veterans and so are their children. All of our ancestors are combat veterans also and many have given the ultimate sacrifice; with many paying the price for our freedom every single day of their lives this very moment.
Your mission isn’t complete my dear soldier, not by far. You’ve every reason to be angry and discontent. You’ve been trained to be the very best and to perform your daily life in ways no civilian can ever pretend to fathom. You must find a way to project this anger to defeat this battle before you in your recovery. You are so young still and a babe on so many ways, yet a warrior who’s mission was cut so rudely short.
Generation after generation our youth seek the wisdom, strength, and spirit of our veterans of every war. You are part of a legacy of warriors that refuse to be defeated. People you’ve never heard of now look to you to fight for your very life. WHY? Because you are our brother. We appreciate what you have done; we are in deep gratitude for your honorable service; we pray every single day for your strength and courage to recover; we believe you have so much more to give and offer to everyone around you; we would be honored to be in your prescence; we need you in our family of warriors.
Don’t let pride tear you down in the moment everyone around you are honored to do what they can to help you recover and are eager to help in any way. Be it meds, prayers, gifts, or words… we bring it to you with honor in return for all you are.
We are of a family of friends, military brats, former and present soldiers abroad, and a combat vets ourselves. We grew up with camo and the American Flag as a back drop to our very lives, and many of our family members are wounded as you, afflicted as you, and too many never came home to us at all. We need you among us my brother. We need you to continue the fight for yourself and the family. You deserve the best care our government can provide because you’ve more than earned every piece of it and more.
My Army Family is the Alumni and students of Zweibrucken American High School Classes of 1965 (and before) through the 1990’s; The American Legion, Veterans Of Foreign Wars, The Patriot Guard, and every brother on active duty this very moment.
My family is the American Soldier, The Militray Brat, and the unsung heroes that have given their all for the freedom and priviledges too many take for granted. YOU are at the epicenter of this family and your “family” needs you… your family needs you to continue to fight…. fight for your life.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
[...] is Hunter’s 21st Birthday!! Please feel free to leave him some birthday wishes at his website! : [...]
November 21st, 2008 at 1:42 am
Hunter, I don’t know if you remember me. I was friends with your mom and dad when you lived in Lafayette. You used to play with my sons, Simon and Ben. I stumbled across the story about you and couldn’t believe it. You were a pretty hyper kid and I often wondered what you would end up doing when you got older. I was sad to hear about your injuries but happy to see how you had grown up and proud to see that you chose the army. Know that we are thinking about you and wish you as fast recovery. You are a real hero.