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Published Friday, July 31, 2009 in Local
Wounded soldier improving
The Newnan Times-Herald
SFC Mark Allen, the Georgia Army National Guard soldier based in Newnan who sustained a serious head wound in Afghanistan on July 8, is breathing on his own and opening his eyes at Bethesda Medical Center in Maryland.
"All things considered, he looks pretty good," said Cowetan Robert Stokely, co-chairman of the Family Readiness Group of Bravo 2/121, the unit operating out of Newnan's Jackson-Pless Armory.
Though Allen is opening his eyes, he is "still not awake," Stokely said. "His pupils are dilated, so you can't be certain whether he is seeing you or focusing on you," he said.
Allen has a feeding tube and a tracheal tube to help with breathing, but "he is breathing on his own and his heart is beating on its own," Stokely said.
Allen may be moved to a regular room at Bethesda soon, Stokely said. And once his condition stabilizes, he will likely be transferred to one of the military's care centers that focus on rehabilitation. He will probably be transferred to the center in Tampa, Fla., since many of Allen's family members live in Ocala, Fla.
Stokely visited Allen on Wednesday. He also visited Corp. Jonathan Morita. Morita, a California soldier, was wounded with Allen and Specialist Medic Charles Benson during a firefight that occurred while the men were on patrol south of Kabul.
Morita sustained serious injuries to his hands and will need more surgery, but "otherwise, he is in pretty good over-all health," Stokely said.
Benson is doing well, too. He is now at the VA Hospital in Augusta, having been transferred from Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordan near Augusta. Stokely visited him last week.
Benson's left hand is in a cast and he will need more work on that hand, but "his right hand is a lot better, and the stitches are out," Stokely said.
As for Allen, who was the most seriously wounded, "considering what happened to him and what he is going through, he is in pretty good shape, remarkably," Stokely said.
"That is not to say he is OK. He is a long way from OK. He is a long way from knowing what the long-term prognosis is," Stokely said.
But "he's alive and maintaining his vitals on his own."
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Hey Sergeant, Thought I'd say hello and let you know you and the rest of E Troop are not far from my mind and heart. Take care and one day meet at Fiddlers Green. Scouts out!
Posted by Eric J Larkins at 8:52 PM
Mark - pleasure knowing you thru high school, you were the rock & now it is our turn to take care of you. I wish you a speedy recovery to return to your wife, children & country. You are forever our HERO in West Orange County, Florida
Posted by Alli at 12:37 PM
I visited with Mark and his wife on the 18th of August. His parents were also there. All are near him full time. Mark will be moving from CCU to the Polytrauma unit. Mark is getting great care at Tampa's Haley VAMC, a wife and family that love him so much it is almost a light shining. Mark looks good and strong. Keep your prayers coming.
Posted by Chaplain Steve Ford at 3:25 PM
Mark is my cousin and I am so thankful for his service and that no matter how small there is improvement. To his Mom and Dad Valerie and David please know that we are praying for him and thinking of him every day. Thank you as well to the other wounded soldiers as well. We have not and will not forget you.
Posted by Cindy Craig at 9:36 PM
Thank you Mr. Stokely for the update on SFC Allen & Specialist Benson. We have been so worried as to Mark's condition and are so happy to hear he is improving. We will continue to pray for both men and their families. Thank you again for keeping us updated.
Posted by The Faddis Family at 7:20 PM
I am a god friend of SFC. Allen and I am so glad to here that all of the wonderful people back in Geogria are taking care of ours. We Thank you and Praise you for all of your support. Thanks as always Mr. Stokley. SFC. Mark Allen you and your Family are in our Prayers and thoughts. Thank You Newnan and it's Citizens.
Posted by SSG. Terry D. Conkle at 5:30 AM
I believe it is a very good thing keeping everyone informed on the status of these soldiers. Because of the the service they perform in harms way. It is curious why are local paper does not seem fit to even run a small piece about a local service men here in Santa Clarita, Cal. I gave them one of your articles but not came of it. So thank you so much for following this story.
Posted by Michael Morita at 5:59 AM
Prayers sent! Thank you for your patriotism and service gentleman. God bless you both.
Posted by Joe at 5:22 AM
I find this so heartbreaking. I hope this all ends soon for everyone. I pray for the soldiers.
Posted by Mary at 1:12 AM
I hope and pray that all of them are ok along with any of our brave men and women who are out there defending this country....My son too is in the Army but stationed at Ft. Drum N.Y. and he is preparing for his third deployment and will leave in a couple of months. Thanks to all our soldiers!!
Posted by Shirl at 6:59 PM
All of these soldiers, well or wounded are being lifted up in prayer circles all over the county. Angels surround these special men.
Posted by Soldier's mother at 4:40 PM
My son is in the same unit with Allen and Benson. I am so glad to know that they are recovering. Keep them in your prayers! We appreciate all updates on their condition!
Posted by Sandy Stanbro at 3:03 PM
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SFC Mark Allen
4/17/2011
Link To This Comment
There hasn't been an update for quite a while on Marks recovery and I just wanted to let him and his family know that they are all still in our prayers. I live close to you in Ocala, so if there is anything I can do to help just let me know.
Posted by Jenny Padden at 11:55 PM