Harlingen, Texas, September 7, 2009 --
When we develop enough backbone, we should seriously
challenge the media on the issue of providing us with
its agenda oriented and selected news coverage. In war
related news, both electronic and print media has been
very detailed about reporting the death totals of
American service personnel, the latest roadside bomb
blasts and any military mistake. What is rarely reported
are the feats of our heroes on the battlefield. Those
very special heroes are not only the individuals who
perform great acts of bravery, but also the men and
women who give of their blood and endure unbelievable
pain in defense of every person in this country.
Supporting our men and women in uniform means much more
than placing a bumper sticker on the back of an SUV or
flying the American Flag on selected holidays. It means
we should really “care” about those who take up arms in
defense of the nation. It means we should be doing
everything humanly possible to ease the pain of those
who will wear the scars of combat forever. And yes, it
means we should not only mourn our war dead, but also
shed tears for all the wounded warriors.
Of course, these expressions of loss or concern are
difficult to bring forth when we have an American news
media that does everything possible to mute or dismiss
the stories of how our young warriors must fight through
their pain, often alone, without the comfort of
understanding friends and neighbors.
How many wounded warriors does America now possess? The
Department of Defense seems foggy on the subject, but
has reported more than 33,000 men and women have been
wounded in battle. There are other reports saying that
number is closer to 50,000 and if we are to believe the
figures of the anti-war movement, they place the number
at 153,000 wounded veterans.
But, the numbers don't really mean that
much. Just one person wounded in action is very
important to know about and every one wounded following
that first individual should be held close and cared for
with great tenderness.
But, in defense of our citizens, it is almost impossible
to garner expressions of concern when the public remains
uninformed by a distorted, agenda driven media. For
example, how many of you have been told the story of
34-year-old Marine Master Sergeant (MSgt) Eden Pearle,
now in Brook Army Medical Center in Texas?
It was one month ago when MSgt Pearle was celebrating
his birthday patrolling in a Humvee. This Recon Marine
who has served his country in foreign lands from Africa
to multiple tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq
could never imagine how that birthday road trip would
end. One moment everything was calm...the next there was
an explosion. Two Marines were killed in the IED blast.
Another was wounded and MSgt Pearle, who was sitting
near or over the gas tank, was engulfed in flame and
burned over 100% of his body. He also lost an arm just
below the elbow and has had four fingers of the
remaining hand surgically removed.
Skilled medical teams have
attempted to cover his burned body with salvaged cadaver
skin, but there seems to be some rejection of this
process that has created infections that can seriously
impact his recovery. If Eden Pearle does survive, his
stay in the hospital could be two years or longer.
From his home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Jeff Pearle,
his father rushed to Texas and has been by his son's
side since he arrived at the Army burn unit. His mother,
at latest reports, was unable to make the journey.
Marines familiar with the family and their finances have
been passing the word on the Internet that assistance is
needed to allow them to remain near Eden. Because of
limited income, the father must return to his job on
September 12 and will be unable to continue visiting his
son.
It seems almost paradoxical that at a time when the
nation is fixated on the subject of healthcare, Marines
must call out to others wearing the Eagle, Globe and
Anchor of their Corps to help another Marine family who
deserve far more than this country will ever provide.
One Marine, Tim Harrington, from the Pearle's
neighboring town of Dennis is being kept informed of the
Master Sergeant's condition and progress. He is also the
person who has initiated a call to other Marines for
assistance to a family. That call was heard by another
retired Marine, Randy Givens rg2162@earthlink.net who
picked it up from a Special Operations email list and
sent it forward to other members of the worldwide Marine
family.
This is only one brief story of pain, suffering and
sacrifice that should be told again and again in every
case where our brave sons and daughters are forever
damaged by the ravages of war. These brave hearts should
always be honored, we should always extend a helping
hand...and yes, we should shed tears for our wounded
warriors. |
