Everyone,
Since the last update that was sent out, Jeffrey’s progress has continued to be somewhat slow.
This has been due in large part to another necessary surgery that was performed here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. That procedure took place approximately 2 weeks ago and as expected it is taking some time for the healing process to run its course.

According to the surgeon, everything went very smooth. The excess bone growth was removed and the leg bone was repositioned more in the center of the residual leg.

The doctor explained the presence of the bone growth as a product of bone fragments being dispersed into the tissue when the initial injury occurred. These fragments did as all good bone should do and tried to grow; just as they would do to mend a broken bone. Having no break to mend resulted in the random bone growth that was causing pain when Jeffrey tried to walk on his prosthetic leg.

Based on the time it took for Jeffrey to walk on his prosthetic leg in mid-January following being released from the hospital at the end of December, I think he will be able to get back on his artificial leg by the end of this month.

Although the frustration of dealing with the slow progress gets to him from time to time, Jeffrey has acclimated back into Louisiana quite well and is glad to be home.

He has been less mobile since the surgery, but prior to that he was able to get out, go places, and visit friends. This week he plans to go to Shreveport and spend some time with Katie.
Will S----, a close friend and another lieutenant with the La. National Guard was on 2 weeks R&R in May. He and Jeffrey got to spend some time together.

Other adventures have included spending some time in Shreveport with Katie (about 5 hours away) and going saltwater fishing with a friend.

The block party that was given in mid May in Jeffrey’s honor was well attended and everyone had a good time. We really appreciate all that was done.

Our local state senator throws an annual luncheon for members of the legislature and state and local government officials. This year’s meeting was held at a location near our home and Jeffrey, along with Mike M---------- (a LA. National Guardsman who lost his right leg in Afghanistan), attended and were recognized as special guests.

Following lunch, Mike and Jeffrey went to the state capitol and were recognized for their service on the floor of the state senate.

Jeffrey continues to stay in close touch with his unit in Baghdad. As each day passes they become more seasoned and the time for them to return home gets closer. The number of casualties continues to mount, however, and everyone, here at home and in Iraq looks forward to there return home.

Please keep all of the soldiers who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in your thoughts and prayers. Continue to pray for their safe and speedy return home to their loved ones....

We will continue to keep you informed of Jeffrey’s progress and will try to include some photographs in future mailings.

Thanks so much for your continued support and concern.
Hugh

1st Lt. Jeffrey Adams was wounded in Iraq when an IED detonated near his patrol. The blast resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee. He also received several other injuries.


To find out how you can help provide Kevlar armor to assist with protecting our Heroes against IED's, visit Soldiers' Angels and check out their Armor-Up project.

Operation Armor-Up in the Blogosphere...
Michelle Malkin , BlackFive , Holly Aho , and Basil's Blog are also talking about Armor-Up...