Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Staff Sergeant John Bennett was on a routine patrol in Hawija, Iraq, when, as he explains, "I heard a popping sound from the back of the Humvee. I thought someone's gun went off."
"As I began to turn around," he continues, "I heard a second round of pops. That's when the sniper's bullet hit me, its scorching heat penetrating my side. The bullet went through my spine - shattering two vertebrae and fracturing a third. It continued straight through my right kidney, to my spleen and then my pancreas."
"It took them seven days to stabilize me in Iraq before I could be flown to Germany for surgery. That's where I got the news about the severity of my injury, and how much it would change my life - forever. I was paralyzed!
When I was finally transported home to the U.S., a representative from Paralyzed Veterans of America came to meet me. What a relief it was for me to meet someone that knew what I was going through and who really understood the day-to-day challenges ahead of me.
I'm extremely lucky to be alive. And I'm so grateful for the love and support of my beautiful wife and four children."
John and his family are also very grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support they have received from so many patriotic and caring Americans across the country. Thank you for caring and helping!
John Bennett is one of our many heroes. Do you know a hero? Please share their story - we'd love to hear it.
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Comments: 8
My husband has been in the Army for 24 years next month. He has been to comabt several times including 2 wars and many, many police actions. He has been shot 3 times but when he was shot it was not considered a "war" so he did not get the three purple hearts he deserves.
he has put himself in harms way no questions asked for nearly a quarter of a century...so that we can enjoy freedom back home.
ps. we are waiting to hear if he makes Master Sergeant this time around...the list come out tomorrow or monday!