Some days...

Are extremely difficult...and really put life and "problems" in to perspective.

This is the first message I saw when I woke up this morning. A very solid reminder that things can and do go wrong and that lives are changed. Every. Day. I am just heartbroken when I think about this...* I've removed the name and Company for privacy *

If you do not know: "IED" stands for "Improvised Explosive Device" - describes any type of explosive/bomb manufactured by insurgents.

All:

It is with much sadness that I must inform you that on April 24th, 2012 SSG of the XXth EOD CO was seriously injured while conducting combat operations in Regional Command-East Afghanistan. SSG was struck by an IED while performing a post blast investigation near Sabari. His injuries are severe and include the loss of both arms above the elbow and left leg above the knee. He has been transferred to Bagram Army Airfield after undergoing emergency surgery in Salerno and was alert and aware of what happened; he is currently in stable condition.  His next of kin and the 303rd EOD BN are aware of his status and tracking his pending transfer from theater.

Please keep SSG and his family in your prayers as they go through a very difficult time. Also please take a moment and keep in your prayers all of the EOD Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines working in RC East and all of Afghanistan. They are doing unbelievable work in incredibly difficult conditions and are truly heroic.

More to follow once details are released concerning SSG movement stateside.