Paralyzed Diaphragm

@usmccam Thank you for your lovely post. Guess the "oh well" attitude is the most healthy way to deal with your situation. I am probably overly optimistic and always have been--I always hold out hope for something that will come along and make things right. Nevertheless, your perspective about sacrifice--with which you are no stranger is a strength you can call on during this time. I am still in awe that I"m writing to a real Marine! My dad was Aiir Force and a Liaison Officer. He didd his bit and like men like you didn't think twice about I--it was his duty for his country at that time. I simply hold the US Marines in total AWE. You guys are great. You stayed with the practice of law during and the after your service. Wow! Your life is impressive. Anyway, thank you for explaining your speech activation device and how works in comparison to SIRI and Alexa. I'm not very computer savvy, but I get what you are saying about the one word at a time way of doing and the ability to go back to previous things you've written. I. Still finishing up with doctor checks here in San Antonio and so far so good. Then it will be wait until the next CT scan with enhancement. That will be in about 6 months. We go on from there. Can't believe it is the later part of April already. Hope you are doing well for your situation and it was great hearing from you. Cyber hugs from me to you. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

@usmccam, I have been following your posts and this discussion for awhile from the outside looking in. I think your artwork is amazing! I am glad that you found Connect and joined the discussion. Your posts have helped and touched many of us and I'm hoping that you have found some help also. I had to buy my artwork in Yokosuka, Japan during the Vietnam war. Ed was the nickname my mother gave me as a child and it stuck with me until I got married and my wife decided I should go by my real name. Semper Fi! my cyber Marine friend from an old swab jockey.
John

@alamogal635

Thank you for your praise and kindness. However, I am exactly like every person who has earned the right to be called Marine. I was no better or worse. The only difference was actually situational. In my 28 year career, I went from taking orders as a Private to giving orders as a Colonel. Regardless of rank, however, I always conducted my self as a Marine even in civilian life after discharge. The old adage "Once a Marine -- Always a Marine" is very true and I thank you for your respect. That being said, I am part of a large Brotherhood and nothing special as an individual. The true heroes are those who never made it home. I fought to survive in several conflicts and, presently, I am still fighting to survive. The battle may be different now but survival is the key for this Marine. So glad to hear that your checks have been good and I hope that you will continue to stay that way. This year is flying by so fast. Summer is almost here. If things go my way, maybe I can get them to wheel me out to the solarium so I can enjoy a little bit of it. We will see. Please take care. hugs and prayers to you as well.

@johnbishop

Thanks for writing, Ed, and thank you for your service as well. I have much respect for the Navy as my life was saved by a corpsman in Nam. Semper Fi, indeed. I am very familiar with Yokosuka. I was there and in Yokohama and Atsugi when I was wounded. I was put on the wrong bus and wound up at Camp Zama in Japan. I was the only Marine in an Army hospital. Talk about confusion lol. Eventually, they sent me back to Bethesda and Phila. Naval Hospital. However, I really liked the cities in Japan. Here is my latest prosthetic cover for a Navy Vet here at my hospital. I really like being here on connect and sharing with everyone. Lots of good people here. I am limited as to what I can do but should you need anything, do not hesitate to let me know and I will do what I can. By the way, I like the cups, too. Meantime, please take care and I look forward to hearing from you again. Have a good week.

Hello @usmccam

I'm sure you are familiar with the movie about the conscientious objector who became a war hero. If not, here is a trailer from YouTube,

What you've written is what awes me about being a Marine. The camaraderie of all of you, the ability to conduct yourself as a Marine--your general outlook from being a Marien, the entire philosophy of the Marine Corps.. I hope they do wheel you out too to enjoy the beautiful Spring snd warm sunshine. Never give up and it is wonderful your being a private and working your way up to being Colonel. It is a joy to hear from you.

@usmccam, that is striking! I'm sure the Navy Vet really appreciated your work on the prosthetic cover. As a Vet who has been on both sides of enlisted and being an officer I think you probably have heard a lot of sea stories. I wrote a speech for my Toastmasters club a few years ago with a sea story from the first ship I was on the USS Herbert J. Thomas DDR-833 that I think you might enjoy - The Day I Lost My Good Conduct Medal.

@johnbishop Great story!

@hopeful33250

I know of the movie but I do not watch any war flicks. However, I knew Desmond personally and was familiar with his tribulations during his service. He was a good man. Out of respect, I attended his funeral in Piedmont and his internment in Chatanooga in 2006. Thanks for sharing.

@johnbishop Thank you for sharing that incredible story.