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| This Is A Marine |
| 2004-01-14 |
| A Marine from Aurora is making history. Nearly two years ago, Cpl. Chris Chandler lost part of his leg in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan. Chandler was fitted with a prosthetic foot after the explosion. He worked to regain his strength so he could re-take the Marine physical fitness test. He didnât just pass, he also graduated from jump school, making him the first amputee to ever go through the elite parachuting training. Naturally, his family is very proud. âIt is groundbreaking because he does have a prosthetic foot and because he did do it on his own he didnât have to take an easy way out,â said Stephanie Chandler, Chrisâ sister. âIt was done just like anyone else.â Chandler has also been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Heâs on his way back to Camp Pendleton in California until he is deployed back overseas. No word on just when heâll go. |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #9 This is splendid stuff, and one more item for those not in uniform like myself to keep in mind every day. To quote another comment about another remarkable young American in uniform: "where do we find these young people?" I like our chances in this here war. |
| Posted by: IceCold 2004-1-14 9:10:37 PM |
| #8 Ralph, you may be thinking of Frederick Franks who later commanded the VII Corps during Desert Storm. Franks lost a leg during the Viet Nam war. |
| Posted by: Gasse Katze 2004-1-14 7:05:08 PM |
| #7 That's a true Marine, all right; I certainly don't mean to belittle his accomplisment at all, but I think I remember a Force Recon Captain also did this back in the Viet Nam era, and managed to retain command of his Recon Company --- does that story ring a bell with any of you? If so, it shows how the spirit of the Corps lives from generation to generation. |
| Posted by: Ralph 2004-1-14 5:42:28 PM |
| #6 Over the holidays, someone sent me this exchange between two Generals RE: Sgt Chandler, titled "Why We Won't lose Wars". It's a bit long, but OT and on subject. Jarhead, you probably recognize the names. We should all be proud to have men like this protecting us. From: Berndt LtGen Martin R Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2003 5:18 AM To: Mattis MajGen James N Cc: Conway LtGen James T; Gregson LtGen Wallace C Subject: Sgt Chris Chandler Jim, This morning I had an out-call with a Sergeant Christopher Chandler. He leaves tomorrow on his way to 1st LAR and should arrive after the holidays. Two years ago today, while assigned to 15th MEU and your task force, Sgt Chandler lost a leg to a mine at Kandahar. The CMC awarded him a PH on Christmas day, 2001. We awarded him a NMCAM this morning as a result of his contributions to the Naval Hospital at Bethesda while he was recovering. In September while assigned to MFL, he was promoted to his present rank and in October he reenlisted and asked to go back to 1st LAR. On 12 Dec, Sgt Chandler graduated from jump school. Getting him there was the biggest challenge -- not too many amputees attend airborne training. Not only did he graduate, he was the class honor man. Sgt Chandler is one of most selfless, courageous Marines I've known. He motivates the heck out of all who know of his trials. I'm sure he will be a welcomed addition when he returns to the Division and 1st LAR. All Marines are special. In my opinion, Sgt Chandler stands out among them. V/R and Merry Christmas From: Mattis MajGen James N Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2003 9:15 AM To: Berndt LtGen Martin R Cc: Conway LtGen James T; Gregson LtGen Wallace C Subject: Sgt Chris Chandler General Berndt: Thank you for this update. I well remember the day at Kandahar when he and two other Marines were wounded in one of the many minefields that surrounded the airfield there. I had tracked him until he received his first discharge from the Naval Hospital and lost track of him in the last year. I deeply appreciate you bringing me up to date. I am heartened but unsurprised at how well he has performed since, because even while in shock and being medevaced at Kandahar, his spirit was strong and his concern was for the other wounded. He was in every sense of your word "selfless". We will welcome him back to his old battalion with open arms. His leadership by example will say more than anyone's words about leadership and sacrifice. He will deploy with his unit to the AOR in a few months and be a great addition to our ranks. Thank you for taking the time to let us know he is inbound. Happy Holidays and Semper Fi. v/r Jim |
| Posted by: Gasse Katze 2004-1-14 4:46:30 PM |
| #5 Semper Fi Sarge!!! |
| Posted by: Sgt.DT 2004-1-14 3:51:55 PM |
| #4 That's Hard Corps baby, young Devil Dog makes me proud. |
| Posted by: Jarhead 2004-1-14 3:44:06 PM |
| #3 Been in the papers here - this is up in my neck of the woods (such woods as we have here in Colorado). |
| Posted by: OldSpook 2004-1-14 3:35:44 PM |
| #2 Hey Osama -- still think our soldiers aren't tough? Seen any of them running away lately? Oh wait -- you're not really in a position to reply, are you? |
| Posted by: Matt 2004-1-14 2:34:42 PM |
| #1 Wow - Semper fi! |
| Posted by: rkb 2004-1-14 2:00:04 PM |