Brandon Update, Dating Back to 2007

If you have followed my blog since practically the beginning, you know in May 2007, and for many months afterwards, I wrote about a young man named Brandon.  Brandon was in our youth group when he was in 5th/6th grade.  Brandon went off and joined the military right out of high school, and in May of 2007, he lost both of his legs due to a roadside bomb in Iraq.  The story is on my blog, if you go back that far.  Many people would have given up, but not Brandon.  Brandon fought, and fought hard.  He overcame his disability, and is now part of the X Games as a mono skier.  He is also married, and has a little girl.  He is an American hero.  


ESPN did this video on him for the X Games this year, so I thought I would post it.

Surf's Up

For those of you who may be new to reading this blog, I have been posting updates on Brandon Adam. He grew up in Sandpoint and was part of our youth program while he was in 5th and 6th grade. He is now 21. Brandon is in the army and was serving in Iraq, when he lost both legs in early May, due to a bomb. Here's the latest pictures of him.

Brandon Update

Here's a picture of Brandon Adam. He is up to 5'6" now!

Brandon Update

Brandon has the first step towards his new legs. This is not the final format for his right leg. Big moment for all of us to see him stand on two legs. Keep us in your prayers!

Brandons birthday is 8-19 He will be 22. Send messages to sapper_19@yahoo.com

In Christ Doug

Brandon

Today~ Well I have great news! Brandons right leg grew! The bone has doubled in length! This growth is what he needed. Now this will allow him to receive a leg like his left.The bone growth has confounded the doctors, but not me. I know the faith of the prayer warriors that surround Brandon! God Is Good! With a heart of gratitude Thank You for your prayers. Please don't stop.
In Christ Doug


From Monday-Brandon will be casted for his right leg in the next day! I was able to watch him walk today for the first time. He does well with it. We look forward to the next week to see him walk on two legs. Pray for his strength and endurance.

In Christ Doug

Brandon Update

Last week, Brandon had castings made for his new legs. Today, Brandon said," It works!" I said you bet it works, in so many words. He also said that this is the best day he has had! He was so excited that he took the walker and walked all over the workout area. They told him to be careful and slow down, He laughed. Now that they see his level of commitment they will cast his right in the next couple of days. There has been concern as to how they are going to do his right side since it is so short. Now that they have seen his reaction to his left side they are going to try to do the same on his right.
He will walk soon! God is awesome! What a gift of inspiration to the others involved! I hope to see him walk while I am there this time. I cried when I read his words," It works". I could sense his relief and sense of Hope. We can only try to understand what these men and women go thru as they live life after war. What I have encountered is that the war never ends for them. The friends that they only see in memories. The constant question of why? Why me? Why them? Just why?
To watch my son whom I am in love with learn to walk is such a blessing. He encourages me in his determination to keep up the good fight not to loss heart. I hope that I too can have a son that sees me as I see him. The answer to the Why is in the victory at Calvary. Luke 12:49-53
I love my family and I love you all too! So embrace the Truth and live life with the answer to the question, "Why". It is that truth that allows us to see victories and Blessings like Brandons.

In Christ Doug

Freedom Is Not Free

World War I Memorial

World War II and Pearl Harbor Memorials

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Brandon's Sacrifice

Freedom Isn't Free

I watched the flag pass by one day,

It fluttered in the breeze;

A young Marine saluted it, And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform, So young, so tall, so proud;

With hair cut square and eyes alert, He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought. how many men like him Had fallen through the years?

How many died on foreign soil? How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many foxholes were there

That served as soldiers graves?

No . Freedom is not Free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night, When everything was still;

I listened to the bugler play, And felt a sudden chill;
I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant "Amen"

When a flag had draped a coffin, Of a brother or a friend;
I thought of all the children, Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands, With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard, At the bottom of the sea,

Of unmarked graves in Arlington. No. Freedom is not Free!

By Kelly Strong

Brandon Update

Brandon is really doing well. I have some concerns about the way he feels over all. I see that he is having something going on in the way he feels. He won't describe what it is that he is feeling. I don't think he knows. I do hope that he'll tell his rehab team of the way he feels. Otherwise just amazing. Also his hearing in one of his ears is damaged. I just hope that he understands that he needs to make sure that he has a complete check of all his body before he leaves. So, he needs to speak up! Pray for him to not ignore his needs. I thank you for all your prayers.
I travel home today Sunday. For the next 2 weeks I'll be back in Idaho. Karen returns today. We meet in Denver tonight for a bite to eat together, then part our ways once again.

InChrist Doug

Brandon Update

Brandons 1SG Doug Shepherd took time out on his way back to Iraq to see him. Along side is LTG Glynn Mallory. Mallory and his wife are retired.They have made their retirement time into a continued care service to the service men, women and they're families to ensure excellence in all areas and needs.
Shepherd enjoyed time with McCall and Adam on Sunday. Shepherd awarded Adam with a medal of accomadation. This is Adam's second. He received his first during his first tour. He also received his Brigade coin from Col. Wolack via Sheperd. Adam shows much appreciation for his fellow soldiers.
All in all the weekend was great. Adam still battles with the body calling out for the meds that he does not receive any longer.He now understands what detoxing feels like.He feels better daily! Keep up the prayers.

In Christ Doug

Brandon Update

Brandon is trying to catch up on e-mails. He is chipping away at them and thanks everyone for them. Tonite he will enjoy a real bed here at the hotel, mine! I'll take the couch happily! He is the next step of his journey independence. PTL Keep on praying!


In Christ Doug


A letter Doug received yesterday:

Mr. Adam,
I just wanted to inform you that we had another unfortunate attack
yesterday. Private Jonathan Gast was driving a HUMVEE when an IED came
through the driver's side below the engine compartment. The main slug burst
into the passenger compartment beside the accelerator pedal, striking
PV2 Gast. After another heroic evacuation of PV2 Gast by his platoon
medic and outstanding Soldiers and NCO's, he was taken to the Combat
Support Hospital in Baghdad where his right foot had to be amputated above
the ankle. I visited with Jonathan today at the CSH, and he was in
great spirits. He has accepted the loss of his foot with the same
incredible resilience that your son has, and he just wants to get back to the
States so he can start getting better and back on his feet. I am in a
constant state of awe at the heroism I see on a daily basis from these
Soldiers in my command.
At any rate, I wanted to let you know that another Alpha Company
Soldier will probably coming your way out to San Antonio in order to recover
from his injury. Please let Brandon know about this... hopefully the
two of them will be able to meet up and be a source of encouragement for
each other as they deal with their ordeals.
Thank you for your continued updates on Brandon. I look forward to
hearing about his progress, and I can't wait for the day we all get to see
him up on his new legs.
We continue to pray for you, as I know you do for us.
Take care,
Bob Gordon

Brandon

Well this is Brandons last day in a hospital bed! He is doing great! We are trying to move into the Fisher House with him, but if it does not happen he will be put into barracks.His advancement is astonishing to the staff, if they knew him before this they would have no question in their mind of who and what he is about. Today he'll climb the rock wall at PT, yep without legs! He also has started with his shrinkers. He will do one leg at this time, his left. The shrinkers will form his legs shape.Yesterday he wore it for the first time and it was a bit uncomfortable for him.Today will bring its own so keep up the prayer for the family. We need it!

In Christ Doug

Brandon Update

Well he has been working very hard at PT. He fell on his right leg, in his words it really hurt! He said that he landed on the end of his bone. They were practicing getting in and out of his wheelchair. He went down from the chair when he landed wrong. He is already being shown to the other soldiers as a example of the strength that should come with hard work. To all out there that aren't an Adam, you won't find our strength in our muscles but in our minds and in our determination. We only see victory, so are physical strength follows as a result of our mindset. Brandon comes from a great legacy of fore fathers. An one day he will also be a father and live out his ultra ego thru his sons. Until then I say Run Brandon Run! Love the Lord with all your heart mind and soul brother! Pray without ceasing Amen!
In Christ Doug


Busy week, so will catch up on blogging later. Thanks for checking in, will post in a couple days.

Brandon Update

Brandon seems to be getting back to normal. He spends as much time as he can outside of the hospital. He has been turning down the pain meds! He will continue with his twice a day workouts. I am so happy that your prayers are being answered. Lets not stop, the journey has only just begun for him and the family. We will always remember to say thank you to all of you. So thank you thank you thank you. We will always remember your support and someday we will do the same!

Brandon says that his wheelchair also doubles as a chairseat! They went to the Alamo! Too cool always amazed at the work and promises of God. Prayer is great thank you.
In Christ Doug

Troops

After receiving the pictures of Brandon last night, that is all I've been able to think about. I cried as I saw those pictures. I've known Brandon since he was 11 years old. I think of all the men and woman who have lost their limbs, and their lives as they fight for this country. Then, I think of people like Rosie O'Donnell who say our own troops are the real problem, not the true terrorists. I have a cousin fighting in Iraq, there are kids who went through our youth program, like Brandon and Terry Dunn, who have sacrificed part of themselves for this country. My close friend has a brother in Baghdad and he has been shot several times, received a purple heart, yet continues to serve over there. She fears for him and prays for him continually. Other friends of ours have their brother heading to Iraq in September. We know of several over there serving, and though I thought of them and prayed for them before Terry and Brandon were injured, I think of them and pray for them throughout the day now, and pray that they will be brought home safely to their loved ones. It really doesn't matter what you personally think of the war, I don't think anyone likes war, do they? Show support to our troops. Mail them packages, letters, cards, send them emails and let them know you are on their side.

Face of a Hero

Brandon and Sgt. Major Kilpatrick, shortly after returning to the States.

Brandon receiving his purple heart.

First trip out.

Maddox was in the RG with Brandon he sustained a broken back and healing well. Soon he will return to the unit in Iraq.

Brandon now. The reality of war.

A chaplain was speaking to a soldier on a cot in a hospital. "You have lost an arm in the great cause," he said. "No," said the soldier with a smile. "I didn't lose it - I gave it." In that same way, Jesus did not lose His life. He gave it purposefully. Anonymous

Prayers for Brandon

Brandon has been fighting a fever now for a couple of weeks . Still no real knowledge of its origin. Pray for the doctors to find where it is coming from. Brandon's wounds are healing well. His attitude is good considering all that has happen to him and his unit. He is always thinking of the guys still in the combat zone. He will await the return of his unit to receive his Purple Heart. The guys gave it to him as he was flown out of Iraq. The formal ceremony will happen with the unit when they return. God speed to them. Always pray for these men. We are their prayer warriors!
In Christ Doug

Brandon

Good news Brandon is moving to 4 west! This is where he will learn how to basic daily needs.I travel back home Sunday, Karen comes in tonight. I will keep all updates current!


Brandon had a visitor today from one of my old bosses Jean-Claude VanDame. It was great! Jean-Claude told the people around him that this is one of mine.I shoot Double Impact with him many years ago. Jean-Claude asked me why I was here at BAMC? Then I told him about the son that he knew about so many years ago. He looked at me and said,"NO!" It was a great time that they spent together. Brandon told him," Thank you for all the money that my dad made on Double Impact it bought lots of toys." Jean-Claude lower his chin and said, "No, I thank you Brandon",as his eyes started to well up. They held each other, he gave Brandon a kiss on the cheek. He told me to get in to the photo with them. Then he asked me for my phone number again and said he would give me a call. The visit was really good for all of us. Brandon is buzzing all all around the floor in his wheelchair. I see alot of hope in him. Pray for all of us.

In Christ Doug

Brandon Update

Brandon went on a tour of the "Center for the Intriped" this morning . He was VERY excited to get started with his physical therapy. He has now seen the plan for his new walk laid out in front of him. He is amazed at the forethought that has been set into action long before his arrival. He has even seen how his legs are to be built for him. He is alive with lots of hope for himself and those who travel the same journey with him. He is seeing way beyond the moment now.

In Christ Doug

Brandon Update

I don't know about this kid of mine. He is already doing wheelies in his wheelchair! We spent 1 1/2 hours in it today. We ran into a friend that went to school with the kids in Sandpoint. He is also recouping from being hit with a IED. He faired much better then Brandon in the area of limb loss. They both lived to tell their story. This young man lost three soldiers in his blast, he was the lucky one. On a good note they are sharing their story right now. Brandon was visited by the PT team today. They layed out what will happen over the next months to get Brandon his legs. Yes they said that Brandon's limb loss is high but they said with hard work he could walk again. Brandon accepts nothing less then walking again. He will be challenged by the short limbs but not in spirit. He is already working out in his bed. It is wonderful to see him smile. Pray for Gods hand in all of this. It won't happen any other way.
Karen and I thank you for your prayers. God Bless you all.

In Christ Doug

Brandon update

We received numerous email updates from Doug yesterday on Brandon. Karen arrived in Germany, just in time to fly back to a Texas hospital with Brandon. Today's update from Doug is:

Brandon will undergo surgery today to clean up wound. More info about that tonite folks. It is a bit different then we had thought. When they found Brandon he was dead. No pulse. His body almost emptied of his blood. His boys sent letters to him expressing their love for him and that no one else had been injured. Karen said that he was constantly asking about his unit. He told the doctors to fix him and that he intends to return to Iraq and finish what we have started. It is his choice they said. They could not stop from doing so! Go Army!! Jesus spared Brandons life. He gave it back to him. Raised from the dead to walk in Him again.
In Christ Doug

If you want to contact Brandon, his email address is sapper_19@yahoo.com. His dad is encouraging people to write encouragements and often.

Thanks Brandon, and all others who serve our country for your willingness to put your lives on the line for this country and for me! You are more appreciated than you will ever know. God bless each of you!