Stumpy's Blog

This blog is about my return to Walter Reed to get a new leg. I am an above-the-knee amputee. I lost my leg in April 2007 in Iraq while riding in a Humvee that was struck by an "explosively formed projectile" -- a molten metal jet stream released from a homemade roadside bomb. My left knee was shattered and later amputated at Walter Reed. I rushed through rehab to get back to Alaska quickly. But my leg continued to change, and now my prosthetic doesn't fit, and I need to begin again. I'll keep you posted on my progress and experience. This time, it will work.

Joshua Ferguson

I joined the Army in 1996 and my position is as a forward observer. My dad was in the Air Force and I'm the oldest of four with one brother and two sisters. My wife is Danielle, and we have three young children, J.J., 5 in June, Corinne, 3 in July, and little Madeline, 1 this month. My goal is to complete a full 20 years in the military, and then retire to become a teacher at the elementary or high school levels.

FEATURE STORY

New life & limbs

Read reporter George Bryson's account of how Ferguson ended up on his way back to Walter Reed.

Awesome day! - 12/5/2009 7:27 pm

Iron Dog - 11/11/2009 6:45 pm

Running and Snow - 11/9/2009 3:40 pm

Waszack - 10/29/2009 7:38 pm

Waiting for the rut! - 10/29/2009 6:20 pm

OK hunt was Awesome! - 10/20/2009 11:51 pm

Football - 10/5/2009 5:50 pm

Golf & Football - 10/1/2009 5:11 pm

Still slacking

Greetings, once again, quite a delay between posts.

The stump/leg is doing well. The nerve pain and general pain in the distal end is controlled, for the most part, with my personal pharmacy.

I have been trying to learn how to golf. There are a few programs that pair us up[ with PGA players who donate their time for one on one instruction. After six weeks we recieve a set of PING clubs.

We have been to a few ball games this year. I actually had a date with Danny, as some friends watched the offspring, and we watched the Nats-Phillies game. The Nats first win by the way. I am taking JJ and Corinne to a Nats-Cards game this Friday. Presidents Club seats, we're getting spoiled.

This Saturday, after golfing, I am taking Danny to the race (NASCAR) in Richmond. Not only do we have awesome seats, but we have pit passes along with the ability to go anywhere to meet with the drivers and pit crews prior to the race.

We found a Jiu-Jitsu studio for Joshua. I don't recall if I mentioned this last time, so forgive me if I have. He doing great, he's taking to it like a duck takes to water.

That's about it for now. The PT is going well, and I'm starting to make some progress again. It looks as though my med-board will be starting soon. Right now it's taking a bit over six months. I'm not sure if the COAD (continuation of active duty) will add any time to the process. One step closer to puting the uniform on and getting back home to AK.

I'll talk to you guys later, take care, Josh

show comments

Comments

NEW STORY COMMENTS: Learn about our upgrade | Create an avatar in the new system »

By submitting your comment, you are agreeing to adn.com's user agreement.

hide comments