Marine Fights to Return to Duty

[USMCRET6391]

by Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook
Marine Corps News
January 27, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq - On a hospital bed at the 86th Combat Support Hospital, a Marine lies on his back, teeth clenched and face contorted in pain as he slowly pulls his knees to his chest.

Cpl. Jose Melendez and the rest of 2nd squad, 3rd platoon, Company E with 2nd Battalion 24th Marine Regiment were taking the Iraqi National Guard out to set up a road checkpoint outside Al Yusufiyah when they started receiving fire.

"I looked toward one of the directions we were taking fire, but when I didn't see anyone I turned around to engage an insurgent who was firing at us from a van," said Melendez, 2nd squad team leader.

Seconds later, the van exploded.

"When it blew up I just remember going airborne," said Melendez. "When I opened my eyes after hitting the deck the first thing I did was make sure I still had my rifle. Then I saw half of an alternator lying next to me."


Melendez's platoon sergeant ran over and checked him for injuries, making sure he stayed awake as he was medi-vaced to the emergency room at the 86th Combat Support Hospital.

"The first thing we do when someone comes in is assess the life support system vitals," said Internal medicine physician Maj. Jennifer Greco. "We gave him a CT scan, making sure he didn't have any internal bleeding. When Melendez came in he was disoriented, but still able to answer the questions we asked him."

Melendez's gear caught most of the damage, but he still suffered a concussion and soft tissue damage from the blast.

"The docs told me my gear saved my life," said Melendez. "I'm never going to complain about wearing it again no matter how heavy or hot it is."

Twice a day, Melendez slowly walks to a back room at the hospital where he spends two or three hours for physical therapy.

"Right now we're having him do a lot of rhythmic activities to decrease his pain and inflammation," said Physical Therapist 1st Lt. Justin Laferrier. "That and a lot of ice. He has a fantastic attitude. You can tell he's in pain during his exercises, but he never complains. He only wants to get back to normal and return to his unit."

While Melendez has shown improvement, Laferrier says they plan on keeping him for another week before re-evaluating him to see if he can return to duty.

"When I got here I could barely walk," said Melendez. "A week or two from now and I should be back to normal."

Laferrier sees up to 45 people each day for physical therapy and says the majority of his patients want the same thing Melendez strives for.

"I just want to get back with my boys," said Melendez. "Although there are hundreds of other service members here, it's lonely without them. We all started together, so we all want to finish our tour together."

[AmericanGirl]

God Bless Him!

Thats why he is a Marine...

[Covertness]

Always Faithful

God I love Marines!

[LCpl Lamm]

Another example of why I want to join.
Semper Fi!

[Field_Sailor]

Exemplifies the Core Values. ALl you wannabes and/or gonnabes, take note!

[USMCRET6391]

Now you all know why I did 24 years in the Corps.

[Batgirl]

Can't say enough good things about your Marines. I hope he has a speedy recovery and can return to duty.

I am glad there are people like him out there.