Stumpy's Blog : Gone again

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.

About me

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.

Gone again

Posted by stumpysblog

Posted: March 9, 2009 - 4:41 pm

So, as I'm sure all of you know, the Brigade is gone again. My best friend left on Saturday. Here we go again, for some it must be a little sureal.

I'm not sure as far as the breakdown of the locations, but I know some of the guys are in EXACTLY the same spot as we were in 2003/2004.

As most of you know, I was not able to make it back up before the guys left. It was a pretty real wake up call to see the front page of ADN's web site and find out that the Brigade has sustained their first casualty. It goes without saying that our thoughts and prayers are with the guys.

I'm not looking forward to the days when we start to get the guys, who are wounded, here at Walter Reed. I know I mentioned that I was having a hard time being here while my guys are gone again. While I know that I am not able to be there in person to do my part, I only hope that I can help the guys cope and adjust to any changes they may face in their on recovery process.

Gotta run for now. I only jumped on here to check the news, when I read about Pfc. Patrick A. Devoe II. I'll put a few updates on the leg after Wednsday. I just had a few x-rays last week and today. I've got a meeting with a surgeon on Wednsday, hopefully no issues, but I may be looking at torn muscle or myodesis (sp?) failure.

Off for now, JJ has a school project due tomorrow. He has to make a "trap" to catch a leprechaun for St. Patricks Day. We're not screwing around. I'm teaching him how to make a figure-four deadfall, HA! let's see someone top that.

See ya-Ferg