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
Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
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.
Thanks again. Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
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.
Posted by MaryandRalph (Member # 244) on :
You and yours will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
You got it. I hope you heal and are ready to caravan to Kentucky with us in September.
Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :
God bless you, and all the rest of our brave troops.
Posted by 35th_camaro_ss (Member # 1738) on :
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.
Thanks and keep us updated. Al
[ 28. February 2004, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: 35th_camaro_ss ]
Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
God be with you in your road to recovery. It will be my honor to meet you in our caravan to BG.
Posted by 01ss87iroc (Member # 1763) on :
You got it! Here's to a speedy recovery...
Posted by Big A (Member # 1761) on :
No you haven't been forgotton. Chief, your in our prayers. Soon, I hope your life gets back to normal.
Posted by SS_CarGuy (Member # 2065) on :
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.
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :
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!
Posted by SteelHorse (Member # 1725) on :
Thoughts and Prayers.
Posted by Sizzle (Member # 503) on :
Putin' you on the list man. We appreciate everything the brave men and women in the armed forces do for us.
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
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.
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
Posted by Camaroman_99 (Member # 1972) on :
Ditto all the above!! Your Tom Henry edition is sweeeeeet. Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
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!
Posted by blkragss02 (Member # 1801) on :
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery
Posted by Mike2001SS (Member # 2088) on :
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
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Wishing a healty and speedy recovery for you. Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
we (ken, mary, reno, keona, and shelby) send our best to you and pray for a sucessfull recovery my friend.
and thanks.......alot. being a Nam vet.. i know how you feel. be proud.....for we are proud to know you.
Posted by CamaroSCG (Member # 1591) on :
Ditto all of the above! I hope you have a quick recovery!
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
Patrick,
Glad to see your post.....I sent you an email last night (very late) to see how you were doing because we haven't heard from you in a while....
Of course you and your men and women in Iraq are in my prayers every night.....
Hoping to meet you soon!
Posted by agmSS (Member # 853) on :
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
Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
Best wishes for a successful recovery.
Posted by 67&02 (Member # 1570) on :
God Bless! and here is to a speedy recovery!
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
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
Posted by Xsta Z 28 (Member # 740) on :
Hope all goes well.
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
Glad to hear that recovery is going well .
Posted by 380SS (Member # 2078) on :
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
Posted by Archs89 (Member # 1086) on :
Good Luck Patrick ,
I might of saw your SS at the Tom Henry show I went to last summer , if not I saw one just like it. Very cool color , almost same color as my 89 RS ,
Arch
Posted by Archs89 (Member # 1086) on :
The Tom Henry SS I saw at show ;
Enjoy,
Arch
Posted by Doug 97SS #1499 (Member # 100) on :
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!
Posted by westell (Member # 2034) on :
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. Posted by Steven2000SS (Member # 780) on :
Godspeed in your recovery and thank you for going where others fear to tread and making us all proud of our armed forces..
We pray for all our troops over there but my family will add a special one just for you.
Take care and thanks Posted by OBSSD (Member # 1258) on :
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.
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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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