Monday, October 30, 2006

Fallujah Surgical

What a day. . . I was over at Fallujah Surgical today, sketching the place, when they brought in a 19 year old PFC. I went to the check-in hut and asked if I could go in and sketch. They gave me permission, and I went into the treatment room. I couldn't take my camera in, but the doctors said they didn't mind if I drew, and I said I didn't have to show details of faces, etc. I spent an hour or so drawing the activities surrounding the treatment of the young Marine-- from assessment, to surgery preparation, to surgery. The drawings shown here, though rough and simple, were done in real time, as the events unfolded. The Marine is from my old reserve regiment from my prior enlistment, the 24th Marines. He was wounded in the right hand, the thumb of which was almost completely severed. Luckily, he was wearing his body armor, as the chest plate stopped the other round which would have severely wounded or killed him. They talked to him as they assessed his wounds, and they showed him pictures of possible reconstruction they could do, or if necessary, prosthetics. He was alert and seemed to be taking it well. The docs took him into the OR and prepped him for surgery. They worked to save his thumb, and last I heard, he had been medevac'd for further surgery. 






























I hope they can save his thumb. When I went back in to Fallujah Surgical this afternoon to inquire about the Marine, there were several more Marines getting treated for minor wounds suffered. One was burned slightly on the face and had scratches on parts of his face and arms. I was able to get the sketch done shown here. What a nice batch of kids we are producing in America these days. My generation, as every one before, has talked of the degeneration of our culture -- "Kids today...!" I'm sure we are producing a lot of duds, even some in our military. But by far the vast majority I've seen have acted in that quiet, simple heroism that touches you when you see it. Humans may be sin-scarred and imperfect, but God has allowed for His nature to be seen, ever so slightly, sometimes even through the trauma and roughness of our world -- even in war.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very powerful word there! Thank you for your descriptions AND insights!

jel said...

Thanks Kris,
will praying

Anonymous said...

Wow, amazing drawings! This young man's parents would be pleased to see this and know that their boy (my hero) is okay. Your website is an amazing looking glass into this war from a clean and clear perspective.

mdfay said...

Now that's good stuff!

Anonymous said...

I like the choice of subjects. You're absolutely right about the "right" kind of kids we're raising. These young un's make me so proud...

Beverly said...

Thanks for your drawings and comments about the young people serving our country.

Anonymous said...

Kris you are the man! I think I said that before but really now I am proud to know you and call you a friend. Keep it up man!

Bag Blog said...

Really good stuff!

Anonymous said...

This is brilliant work - thank you so much for sharing it with us.

These kids are our future - how lucky are we?!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Both your art work and your comments about the young men and women we are producing. Thank you.

Bag Blog said...

I got an email from my cousin who is a Marine in Ramadi (I posted it on my blog today). He mentioned an attack on his Marines and Iraq soldiers that sounded similar to the wounded you mentioned. Your pictures and his story really brought home the reality of the situation. You are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Appreciate the drawings, but I love the words. Thank you for your work.

Anonymous said...

I was a corpsman assigned to Fallujah Surgical from Feb 05-Sep 05. I actually painted the sign out front. Great story, takes me back.

ashmoremda said...

Hi Kris,

I don't know if this blog is still active, but I've had this post bookmarked on my FB page for years. I came across it again today, and while I reread it I see you thinking about the future of that PFC with the thumb injury.

He is my Wife's brother, and I'm happy to say that his thumb was saved and while some of the joints are "missing" he has nearly all of the functionality on that hand.

After a number of surgeries he was medically discharged from the USMC and after a few years he landed a job as a diesel engine mechanic. Later he began teaching at the equipment company's school, and now he also teaches at the local community college. He has a Wife and 3 kids, and is generally doing great! Thanks for sketching him in that moment. It will always be an additional insight into that event.

Thanks!