Most of you probably didn’t see it in the news, but a few weeks ago a BW helo went down here in Iraq. Though there were casualties, one guy is fighting for his life right now. I received the following email requesting cards and letters to help cheer him up a bit.
He is a former Marine who was working in support of the State Department. They want to get the word out to other contractors and anyone else who is interested.
Hey all,
For those that haven’t heard, we had a helicopter accident a couple of weeks ago that left one of my friends dead, and another severely injured. Below is our latest update from Nick’s father. I know most of you don’t know Nick, but he is a really great young guy that will need a ton of support in the coming months. Like his father, I would like to flood his room with cards, toys, pictures, flags, whatever you can think of to send. He is recovering from severe burns on 70% of his body, so don’t send flowers as they could cause an infection which is his biggest worry. Tell your friends at work, church, neighbors, the guy at the liquor store( Nick likes vodka), cops, crackheads, everyone in your email list, and anyone that can spare a few minutes and a card telling Nick to get well. He is a Marine that served over here with the 5th Marine Regiment before he started contracting, so if you know any Marines, tell them too. At the bottom of the page is his hospital address.
Thanks,
Todd G
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Nick had surgery today. I spoke to him beforehand and he looked strong… I was with him 9 hours later and he took it like a Marine. They took the burnt skin off his back then flipped him over gave him a traceodomy(sp) then removed his right leg between the angle and knee. Then his left arm between his elbow between his elbow and wrist (closer to the wrist), Then removed his fingers and thumb from his right hand. They think that the thumb muscle in that right hand is dead and may remove his right hand Thursday. I don’t know how many of you guys are good at praying but it would be sooooooo good if his thumb muscle and partial right hand can be salvaged. That is based on mondern prosetics technology. I know this is sad news but the other option is death. If he makes it, he will be able to walk, talk, see, drive, f*ck, have a wife and kids.
Assuming Nick makes it there are things we will need rolling forward. Near term: lets get the cards rolling,lets fill his room up as I am taping them to his wall, irrevrent is fine if not preferred. Once he is brought out of the heavy drug phase which should be within in 2 weeks, visits from his boys would be good.
Thank you. Stay alert and safe.
Ed Leotti
Nick Leotti
Tampa General Hospital Burn ICU
Room 606
1 Tampa General Circle
Tampa, FL 33606