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Good morning. I would like to re-introduce myself to the board, due to my recent inactivity. I am the soldier who purchased his 2002 Tom Henry Camaro on the Internet while stationed overseas in Iraq back in Aug 03. Then some four days later, I was seriously injured in an ambush in Ramadi, Iraq. Now I painstakingly go through rehab and surgery's trying to get back into shape so that I can continue my service to my country for at least four more years.
I would like to first thank those of you who have supported, wrote and sponsored my soldiers while they are stationed in Iraq and their “Chief” is back here re-hab-ing. One of my soldiers called last night and stated they received a large box of Gold’s Gym T-Shirts from Kevin. Thank you Kevin. Your picture is on the way. I haven’t heard anything yet on the box of magazines Scott, but when I do I’ll let you know. They are about one week away from moving out of Iraq and down to Kuwait for the much needed journey home. When that is complete, I will rest and consider myself whole again. They are like my family and a part of me is missing while they are there, and I am here.
As for the medical update, I need some prayers shot my way in regards to a slight complication I'm having. I had my surgery on Monday to graft skin in my ear in hopes of forming a new ear-drum (so that I can hear my SS). Everything seemed to be going fine until last night when a blood vessel burst in my head causing swelling around my ear and temple region. Now I don't mean for this to cause alarm, I just want this board to know about my challenges and since you have a great track record on getting me back on my feet, I'm looking for some help again.
Although I never met you (except for Kevin), I really feel a bond with you folks and value your prayers and support. It's only by the good grace of God that I can sit hear and type this letter out to you requesting your support one more time. Thank you for your time.
Patrick Strobel Chief Warrant Officer Two, United States Army
-------------------- #22 Tom Henry Camaro Monterey Maroon Red Posts: 122 | From: Fort Carson, CO | Registered: Aug 2003
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Patrick you and all that are serving for this country deserve a great big thanks for all you and your fellow soldiers are doing. Fighting and guaranteeing our Freedom and know that all of you are very well appreciated very much.
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and hope for a healthy and speedy recovery.
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My prayers are on their way for a complete and speedy recovery! And a big thanks to YOU, sir, and to the guys under your command for your service to us and our country.
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EMCC Member #338 SSOA Member #M02-9119 Michigan Mafia Member #666 Posts: 3236 | From: Dallas, Texas | Registered: Nov 2002
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You got it. I hope you heal and are ready to caravan to Kentucky with us in September.
Posts: 7198 | From: Near Portland, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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FireChicken
11 Secret Herbs & Spices
Member # 2067
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God bless you, and all the rest of our brave troops.
Posts: 686 | From: Texas: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! | Registered: Aug 2003
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I also hope for you a speedy recovery...You as well as all the soldiers defending our country are always in my thoughts/prayers and I apreciate all that you do for us.
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God be with you in your road to recovery. It will be my honor to meet you in our caravan to BG.
Posts: 231 | From: Valencia, Ca | Registered: Feb 2003
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Were all pulling for you and want you to recover fully from your injuries. It has been a tough time, we know, but we all appreciate everything you and your men have done for our country.
-------------------- Dave S Black 2000 Camaro SS Posts: 502 | From: Fort Mill, South Carolina....Charlotte | Registered: Aug 2003
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Know that you're in our prayers and hoping for the best recovery possible. And this also goes out for the many military folks and families that are in a similar situation as well.
Remember this: you can't stay down too long when you have a Camaro you're supposed to be driving!! Good luck!
Posts: 577 | From: Aiken, SC | Registered: May 2002
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Putin' you on the list man. We appreciate everything the brave men and women in the armed forces do for us.
Posts: 1296 | From: Saginaw, MI | Registered: May 2000
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I pray for a long time every night. Included in those prayers are all our brave fighting men and women as well as people all over the world. You are one of the specific people I pray for. I will add the recovery of your ear along with the rest of you being whole. God Bless you.
-------------------- Dan Abbene
Clubs SSOA F99-1977 East Coast Camaro Club Worldwide Camaro Association NASA BMWCCA SCDA Informal Car Club
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery. With Gods help and the skilled hands of the surgeon doing his work, I know you'll be fine! You have to recover and enjoy that SS!
-------------------- Hawkeye: SSOA F98-C98
1998 SS - Black All Options - Mods Whisper Lid, K & N, Lou's Short Stick, Shift Light, Skip Shift, SLP Y, Borla, 4:10's, BMR STB, SLP SFCs, Granatelli MAF, Hypertech III, 160 Stat, Mallory Billet Pedals, Metco Aluminum LCAs,Fast Toys Ram Air Mod, Spohn Panhard Bar, BMR Torque Arm, free EGR mod,power antenna, BMR LCA brackets, Gentex Temp/Compass Auto Dim Mirror, AllMaxx Strobe and Wig Wag, BAER Eradispeed rotors,PPC Headers with Random Technology Hi Flow Cats, BMR Drive shaft Loop,FAST 78MM Throttle Body, FAST 78MM Composite Intake, Mobil 1 & lots of Zaino.
Wife & Best Friend Mary - copilot. Posts: 5558 | From: Windsor, Ontario. Canada | Registered: Feb 2000
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Patrick you are in our prayers for sure and we won't forget you take good care and we will see you somewhere soon I hope
-------------------- Willard (Mike) Scott Worldwide Camaro Club North Carolina state Rep. 2001 SS convertible with all SLP opts. Sunset Orange Neutral top Neutral leather http://community.webshots.com/user/wmss Posts: 737 | From: Siler City N.C. | Registered: Sep 2003
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We'll keep you in our prayers. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
You have the deepest appreciation and respect of a nation grateful for your bravery and sacrifices on our behalf.
Please keep us all updated on your progress.
Andy
-------------------- Back Home Where She Belongs... 2001 SS #3122 M01-3122 Sunset Orange Metallic / Ebony Leather M6, All GM Options SLP Options:Bilstein, Dual-Dual, Chrome 10 Spokes, SS Grille, Mats, Key Fobs, Dash Plaque, Car Cover Posts: 214 | From: Pepperell MA USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Whoever said you couldn't run away from your problems obviously wasn't driving an SS. Posts: 942 | From: Santa Barbara and Ventura, CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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Patrick, Our prayers are with you for a full and speedy recovery. I remember saying to my dad when he was recovering from heart surgery, ..."It's like walking through the forest, it's not done is a straight line, there are trees everywhere." Just as with your recovery, there may be set-backs, but as best you can, remain focused and have faith in God that you'll do just fine.
As I mentioned in the package to your unit, ...we can't thank you enough for what you do. I know, you 'guys' always say, "...it's our job". Let me tell you, there's a whole country of people that are damn proud of you for it. As I see the post above from BLKRGSS, ...the image of that flag gives me goosebumps, ...and to know you are one of those who defends it, is an honor. Here's to you my friend for a speedy recovery, ..and to a swift and safe return home for your commrades still overseas.
God Bless and God Speed to all of you...
Kevin
-------------------- Kevin Kolvenbach, 2002 Sunset Orange SS (#3455), Convertible, Black top, Ebony leather, Bilstein, ASR, 6SP w/Hurst, 345HP Dual-Dual Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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-------------------- SLP#3579 LE#1533 A pair of 35th Anny drinking chairs. Every thing else is just "Fluff" Rio Grande "Swim" Coach Posts: 3091 | From: Canton Mi. | Registered: Oct 2002
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I’ am deeply touched by the thoughtful comments. It’s very uplifting to my family and me as we struggle and adjust to my varying health issues. It is an honor to serve this great country and I do so knowing that there are wonderful people like you out there who truly appreciate the efforts of our men and women in uniform, (and not just the military). That being said, this grateful solider says thank you.
I just returned from the hospital today with some decent news. My swelling is contained and received some additional medication to aid the clotting and perhaps reduce the swelling. If there are no improvements by tomorrow then I’m to return for a follow-on procedure. I'm sure a sharp blade is involved. I will continue to keep everyone abreast of my situation.
On another note; we do plan to attend the gathering at BG this year. When my unit returns from Iraq I will be able to access the long range calendar and determine if that date is open. Only draw back would be some sort of deployment or training exercise. If I recall, a few folks have offered us to join their caravan as they travel. We would like that very much, please keep in touch with me as the date draws nearer.
Thanks again for everything
Patrick
Posts: 122 | From: Fort Carson, CO | Registered: Aug 2003
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Now thats a hero right there. You are a man of honor and integrity yet humble. I will say a prayer for you and a prayer that all our soldiers return home safely.
Stay strong. As for the sound of your car? Remember that hot rod when you were a kid? Well it sounds better then that!
Posts: 1031 | From: Germantown, MD USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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westell
Hey, could someone hand me a fire extinguisher?
Member # 2034
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Keep up the re hab Chief ! Thanks for the service you, and your men do everyday ! There are so many of us back home that never forget you all over there in Iraq, Afganistan, Phillipines, etc.. and we remember you in our prayers everday.
You'll be in the SS soon and good weather's comin.
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I certainly admire your dedication. From the sounds of things, you could probably push for medical discharge yet you're pushing to get back out there and serve this country and all of us. I'll indeed pray for you and your family...it's the least I could do.
-------------------- M01-5810 '01 Onyx/Ebony Leather SS #5810 M6 Hurst, SLP grill, every factory option 325rwhp/345tq ·SLP air lid / Holley Powershot filter / SLP CAI ·SLP Y-pipe ·BMR STB / SLP bolt-on SFCs ·Eradispeed rotors Posts: 1143 | From: Portland, OR | Registered: Nov 2001
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And a big thanks to YOU, sir, and to the guys under your command for your service to us and our country.
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Good luck!
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