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Soldier, wounded in action, is still in the fight at Walter Reed

Sep-24-2004 » Filed Under: Scott Thorne , Travis Majors

Steve, the father of a 1-14 CAV soldier, is someone I've come to know over the past year. He has provided me with invaluable advice, which I'll always be grateful for. Consequently, my heart skipped many beats on September 14 when I received an email from him informing me that his son, Scott, has been seriously injured in the same incident that took the life of SGT Demand. Very few details were available at the time.

Steve has allowed us to post his email updates as a way to keep those who know Scott informed of his progress. We don't often hear the stories of the wounded. As Steve mentioned in one of his messages to me, we might not hear the stories, "but they're getting great personal and medical attention from the staff here. Everyone has been wonderful to us. No exceptions. If you want to see dedicated staff helping our warriors recover, you can see it at Walter Reed every second of the day." As we mourn the fallen, let's also say a prayer for their wounded comrades.

These updates are listed in reverse chronological order. To read Scott's story from the beginning, scroll down to the September 14, 2004 entry and work your way up.

UPDATE: We have now created a separate category for Scott's progress reports. From now on we will be posting daily updates as individual entries rather than adding them to this one (it's getting too big!). Follow the link above to read the latest.

*****

September 24, 2004

Dear friends,

You can now read these updates on www.strykernews.com as they wanted to post them for others to see. The Tacoma News Tribune may also run some of them and possibly interview me next week for an article on how the wounded of Scott's brigade are doing. Personally, it's been too damned easy to overlook the wounded of this conflict. They are all remarkable young people.

Here's the latest information on Scott:

Scott was transferred to Bethesda (National Naval Medical Center) this evening because they have THE Army neurologist and the latest equipment for radiological interventions (running things through arteries to keep vessels open) over there. I spoke to a Navy neurologist late this evening and he described this Army doctor as way beyond his level of expertise.

A doctor who's smarter than a brain surgeon? I gotta meet this guy and hope to do so tomorrow. Typical government operation, too. One branch has the equipment and the other has the know-how to use it. Seriously, the Army neurologists at Walter Reed almost speak in reverential tones about this doctor. Like in "Blazing Saddles" when the townsfolk of Rock Ridge hear the name, Randolph Scott.

The reason for the transfer now is because Scott may be having or is at risk of having basilar artery vasospasms. They did an angiogram this morning, but it was negative (no damage to the blood vessels in his brain--whew!). However, there is always a risk with this type of injury that the blood vessels may spasm and cut off the blood supply to parts of the brain. The neurologists huddled and decided they needed to get Scott over to Bethesda now so in case the vasospasms do occur they would not need to run him over in an ambulance in traffic.

Before the transfer we went over the ASL alphabet with Scott (he did pretty good considering the pictures were right hands and pretty small at that) and I did some basic functioning testing. I drew a figure on the white board and then got him to copy it with his left hand. I tried next to do as well with my left hand for fun. Our drawings of a square, cube, star, triangle and something else I now forget looked pretty close to the same. I also went over numbers using the four fingers of one hand. I held up one, then two, etc. and he did so as well. Then I told him I would hold up numbers at random and for him to flash the same fingers back. He got ten for ten and very quickly. It would appear then, that even if he doesn't continue to improve, with less morphine and some training, he could learn to communicate using sign language. Of course, he will continue to improve, but it's good to know we've got a good base to work from. Scott continues to do well with drinking water and juice. He was supposed to start a clear liquid diet, but had to go to Bethesda instead.

Scott got to hold his baby girl today, but he won't be able to do that at Bethesda because they have different patients there. There are also some very serious restrictions on wounded returning due to some nasty bugs over there. Infants don't have the immune systems to beat this thing, so he will have to be transported out to go see her (which will be somewhat therapeutic for him anyway).

I talked one of the neurologists (I did an internship with the VA and knew the talk) into letting me see Scott's CT scan (takes pictures of the brain that look like cross sections) results (no MRI because of the metal in his head). You can see the swelling and bruising as slightly darker areas in the brain. Also, he has had a portion of his skull removed to allow the brain to swell and not be damaged. From the outside, you can see a lump or two, but from the CT scan, it's really noticeable that he's got a problem up there. The doctor went to the "slice" just above or below the object and it showed as a bright burst of light frozen on the computer screen, sort of like a solar flare photo. Really depressing to look at it, my friends. The next frame shows very clearly an object the same approximate dimensions as a 7.62mm bullet. Having seen this, I now correct doctors when they say fragment because that's a bullet in there. I discussed the process of recovery with the neurologist and he said one of the big problems is infections and the vasospasms. He had high praise for the Kevlar helmet in use in the Army as he credited it for saving the lives of many soldiers. It is unknown if the bullet that hit Scott went through the helmet or not, but my guess is it was a ricochet that hit him under the helmet. There will be no effort made to remove it as it would do more damage to dig it out. It's way too deep in there to play with, about exactly where I thought it would be from the symptoms.

That's about it. Hard day for us all, but at the end of it he's in the best place to be with this kind of problem. Of course, I tell them all what an outstanding soldier Scott is (Note what tense I've used here) and what he's already done for us. The doctors are impressed and you can tell they will do their very best for him.

ST


September 23, 2004

Here's the latest and please feel free to pass on, as appropriate. I don't have all the e-mail addresses I need with me, it seems.

So far as we can tell, Scott caught a bullet "fragment" in his brain on the left side above his ear at about 2 o'clock going around from the top of his ear. He arrived at Walter Reed on Wednesday night and was met by his parents, brother, wife and 7 week old baby girl (He got to see her three hours after she was born on 7/31/04 when he arrived on R & R). Saturday, while he was at Landstuhl, he was unable to move his right side or speak. He was able to make some sounds, but nothing intelligible.

This evening, we were having a very hard time trying to communicate with him. He wanted something or wanted to say something and we couldn't figure it out. […] Then, we remembered they gave us a small white board to use. My older son held it up for him and put the pen in his left hand. He hesitated for a minute and then wrote:

S-C-O-T-T

put the pen down with a small nod and gave us a thumbs up.

Well, now we need a new whiteboard, because we're not ever going to erase that one. He's still in the fight!

By the time we left for the evening he was feeding himself ice chips with a spoon and drank a kid's juice box with a straw. He also yelled out "all" after three attempts, meaning he wanted to see us all at once (ICU rules are for two only, but I'm bigger than they are here). He can hug (he lifts his right arm a few inches, but left is all the way around) and (weakly) kiss us, too.

He can smile weakly, give us the "well, no s**t" look and scowled and rolled his eyes at a nurse who was patronizing him.

He undergoes an angiogram in the morning to see if there's any damage to the blood vessels in the brain and he's had some problem with a raised temperature caused, most likely, from the trauma to his head. They will not remove the fragment which will eventually scar over up there. He may have to use other parts of his brain to speak and use the right side of his body, but that's for tomorrow.

ST


September 21, 2004

Dear Friends (and I keep finding I have more of them than I thought through all of this),

Here's the latest news from Landstuhl about Scott's condition, along with a tribute photo his brother made today (Scott's nickname was and is Robocop):

He is due to be transported from Landstuhl to Walter Reed Wednesday. We arrive about the same time as he does, so that's going to be nice.

Current status: He can now nod slightly. He was able to lift his right arm slightly while they were moving him around. Also, a roll of tape they're putting in his right hand isn't there when they come back, so something is going on. He is able to say "Ow, ow" from time to time. He's getting 2mg of morphine every hour, so I suppose that should be "Oh, wow" and they're just not hearing him correctly.

I will repeat this: The staff at Landstuhl are underpaid and overworked. They have done an outstanding job for Scott and by extension, all our wounded.

He's in that skull and we're going to dig him out. Thanks for your support and kind wishes. […]

[…] Name a FOB after SGT Demand, too. Prepare to have an address for the SSG letters as we're working up a really good one for you! As the guy said in 2010, "I see stars..."

ST


September 18, 2004

Friends,

I keep thinking of people I've left off previous mailings and adding them on, so if you're getting this for the first time, a brief recap (and a sincere apology for the shock/oversight):

On September 14, 2004, while on a dismounted patrol in Mosul, Iraq, searching for hostile mortar emplacements, SGT Scott Thorne (dismount squad leader) and his men were in a narrow alley when a car suddenly pulled up at the entrance and opened fire with a Soviet-made RPK light machine gun. […] Scott and one of his men were hit immediately, but the rest were able to return fire. The vehicle escaped […]. Six men were wounded, one mortally, as it turned out. Scott was hit in the left rear part of his skull. The platoon medic, Army Specialist [B___], did a superlative job in stabilizing the wounded and preparing them for transport to the local Combat Support Hospital (CSH). Scott was eventually transferred to a CSH in Baghdad where he underwent brain surgery. It was initially reported that the 7.62mm bullet was left in his brain as it would have caused more damage to remove it than to push it to a safer area. He has just been transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and will be transported to Walter Reed shortly. He will likely remain there a month. […]

His current condition:

Scott has expressive aphasia which means he cannot talk. He tries to mouth words, but that doesn't work real well. He is able to communicate by the old one finger is yes, two is no and thumbs up and down. He also gave the female (Major) nurse the "bird" when she told him to wait until she finished some medical test before giving him more water, so we know his personality is intact. (He gets this trait of insulting female Major nurses from his Dad, which is a real long story that I'll spare you now.) They are thrilled he is able to swallow, but I can't remember from my graduate neuroanatomy classes exactly why that is. The ICU nurse reports he's "mad as a hornet," which will be good for his recovery. Knowing Scott as I do, he'll want to get back into the fight as soon as possible. The ICU nurse did not know if the bullet was still in his head (this information is only useful for airport security purposes).

His right side is paralyzed, but there was some thought that he had moved his right foot earlier for the ambulance driver. He can see and breathe on his own. One of his comrades, also at Landstuhl has communicated with him by written note, so he can read. […]

Scott still has some brain swelling and it's hoped things will improve after that goes down. Brain injuries take up to three years to recover from, with most of the improvement in the front end of that period. So, don't lose heart.

He's missing some skull on the left rear/side, but they can match it for the right side with some silicone molding. […] With any luck he'll be doing the Lloyd Bridges schtick from the Hot Shots movies in a few months.

I am absolutely certain that he is receiving the best medical care available on the planet. […]

We hope to see him at Walter Reed Army Medical Center soon and we'll be sure to keep you guys in the loop. Not sure if Madigan Army Medical Center is the next stop or not in this process after WRAMC. […] Also, he probably needs to be sent to Madigan to be close to his men, wife and infant daughter. He'll need all the motivation he can get.

Thanks for all your expressions of concern and support. We don't require anything at this time. I'll give you updates, as appropriate, which means when his condition changes significantly (i.e., paralysis ends, he can talk, etc.). If you don't want updates for some reason […], let me know and I'll not send them.

ST


September 14, 2004

For those of you getting this news about my younger son, SGT Scott Thorne, and his situation for the first time, my sincere apologies for leaving you out of the first message. I've got a lot of neurons devoted to other projects right now, as you can imagine.

The latest update on Scott's condition is he has a skull fracture on the left side of his head. Others in his patrol (1 was KIA and 5, including Scott, were WIA in an apparent drive-by shooting on their dismounted patrol in western Mosul) have been trying to communicate out about their condition and what happened […]. It is not known (by us anyway) exactly how his skull was fractured, or how serious the fracture is, but it certainly sounds better than a gunshot wound up there. Knowing how hard headed he can be (his Dad warned him about days like this before he enlisted but he had to sign up anyway), I wouldn't be surprised if he was shot but the bullet bounced.

Anyway, his mother and I are really appreciative of your kind comments and wishes for his recovery. I'm saving them for him to read when he gets home, whenever that is. Times like this I'm really glad we can communicate as rapidly as we do and to have such great friends as you all are. Thanks again for your support.

ST


Comments For "Soldier, wounded in action, is still in the fight at Walter Reed":

Thank you, Steve, for sharing this most personal of journeys. God bless Scott, his fellow wounded, and the family of Sgt Demand. Our prayers are with you.

Posted by: Donna | September 24, 2004 2:09 PM

Amen to that Donna, words can not express my family's feelings for these fine young soldiers. May God watch over them all and thanks to Steve for sharing, you and your son are in our prayers always. Give a big hug to mom too, they are our rock to lean on.
Respectfully yours,
Mike, A proud parent of a B troop, 1-14th Cav Soldier. Suivez Moi

Posted by: Mike Oreo | September 24, 2004 2:33 PM

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Our thoughts are with you. Thank you.

A 5-20 mom

Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2004 2:39 PM

Steve,

Thank you so much for sharing this time-line with us. I teared up, then you were able to make me laugh as well. I'm sure you are a tremendous source of strength and support for you son. May God bless him with a speedy recovery. Has he been able to see his baby again? I so hope so. God bless you all.

Sue O

Posted by: sue o | September 24, 2004 2:53 PM

Steve, as the parent of a Stryker, I can only imagine what your family is going through at this time. I pray for Scott a very speedy recovery. He is certainly one of our brave heros. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on Scotts recovery.

Posted by: A Stryker Mom | September 24, 2004 3:29 PM

Thanks so much for sharing this news. I am so glad things are progressing for your son, and pray they continue to do so until he is fully recovered. My family and I are so grateful for his service and sacrifice. Please let him know we care.

Posted by: Strykermom | September 24, 2004 7:00 PM

Steve, thank you so much for sharing Scott's progress with all of us. We are cheering and praying for him. If there is anything we can do for you and your family please let us know, especially when Scott and you all return to the Fort Lewis Area. I will be sure to share this article with the guys over yonder still putting up the fight and the Bronco Troop Commander. Please include us in your email traffic all the families of the Warhorse Squadron are concerned.
"Bucking Hard"

Posted by: Bronco Troop 1-14 Cav FRG | September 24, 2004 7:28 PM

God bless your son and take care of him in his time of need. He will heal well and soon were sure of that. He sounds like a great fighter!! We miss our son so much and feel for every other parent, loved one, and friends of all of our young men and women serving for our freedom. My wife will say a prayer for your son. Stay in good spirits and be strong. Give him a bear hug from ALASKA!!

Posted by: Alaskan Stryker Parents of a 1-14th CAV Man | September 24, 2004 10:22 PM

Thank you, Steve for sharing your personal story with all of the extended Stryker family. Our family will be praying for yours during this challenging time. Please take our love and thanks to Steve and the other soldiers you meet at Walter Reed. They truly are the Heroes!

Posted by: grimmep | September 25, 2004 12:58 AM

hey mr thorne, its good to get some firsthand knowledge on how scotts doing. tell scott billy duval and kumiko are praying for a speedy recovery and for hanging out again soon at lewis. well pray for tiff during this hard time too. tell him hes missed but thankful hes on u.s. soil. thanks. billy d

Posted by: billy duval | September 25, 2004 2:06 AM


AN AMAZING YOUNG MAN!
WE KINDA KNOW WHERE HE GET'S IT FROM!
MOM AND DAD..BROTHER..TOO.YOU GUY'S ARE
GREAT!AND TO SCOTT ,AND FAMILY..THE BEST
IS YET TO COME,NEVER GIVE UP!!STAY STEADY,
BUT DON'T OVER DO, AND WHO'S PASSING THE
NOTE'S? CAN THEY VISIT WITH EACH OTHER?
IF NOT ? YOU BETTER GET USE TO MORRIS CODE
BEING PLAYED ON THE PIPES ..
YOU KNOW HOW GUY'S ARE THEY WANT TO
KNOW THE LATEST ON EVERYTHING..
BUT...THAT'S A GOOD THING..
KEEP US INFORMED ON PROGRESS..
LOVE TO YOU SCOTT AND FAMILY.
AND GOOD LUCK TO THE NURSES!!!
STAY STEADY MOM,DAD,BROTHER,AND TO
SCOTT'S WIFE AND BABY..ONE STEP
AT A TIME.

C 2/3 MOM

Posted by: DOROTHY | September 25, 2004 4:49 AM

My husband was an active duty army doctor when he became very ill in 1991. He spent months as an inpatient at Walter Reed. I bought a home in Silver Spring. He was eventually operated on by army neurosurgeons. They did an outstanding job. I asked them if he'd walk again after the surgery, and the doctor said, "Maybe." Well, he spent months as a physical therapy outpatient at Bethesda Naval Hospital. They have a big therapy pool with a lift for patients that can't walk yet. He took his first steps there. It will take awhile, but your son will improve. I would recommend taking him when he gets a day pass to leave the hospital and go to a park in Silver Spring called Brookside Gardens. It's very beautiful and wheelchair accessible. (They should let you borrow a wheelchair from the ward.) There's an incredible children's park next to the gardens with a merry-go-round and a children's train that Scott's child would enjoy.
It is a comfort that your son is getting the best medical care in the world... Godspeed in his recovery.

Posted by: Rosemary Rosen | September 25, 2004 11:50 AM

Thank you so much for sharing. Very well written, I cried through reading much of it. I will never forget this story, and will continue to check for updates.

Posted by: Karin | September 25, 2004 12:07 PM

Thank you for taking the time to post your son's progress. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. When Scott returns to Ft. Lewis please know that his "army family" will be there to help him and his wife however they can! May those who were wounded continue to heal and the families who have lost loved ones find strength in the love and support of those left behind. God Bless our Troops!

Posted by: 1-14 CAV FRG | September 25, 2004 12:18 PM

Thank you for sharing this with all of us. May
God speed his recovery so that he can enjoy his
little girl. My prayers are with this HERO and
he is just that. He will be continuously in our
prayers.

Posted by: Florence | September 25, 2004 5:47 PM

Thanks Steve for sending this site. I know that Scott is in good hands and is surrounded by family support . The soldier Demand that was killed , has family here in the Spokane area and I wanted to called and say something to them for thier loss .I guess I just didn't know what to say .It was shortly after that I heard one of my relatives was involved .Maybe his family will see this and know others do care . Rest assured that all your aunts ,uncles and cousins are send their prayers from here in washington .

Posted by: Kerry | September 25, 2004 8:02 PM

I am so glad to hear about your son. He is in our prayers. May God bring home our young heros home very soon. If there is anything that I could do for you let us know. God bless our Stryker soldiers!!!

Posted by: Manny | September 25, 2004 8:29 PM

Thank you so much for sharing your story. My thoughts and prayers are with Scott and all of his family and friends. He sounds like a very strong man and a real fighter!! Thank him for his service and let him know we are pulling for him to make a speedy recovery.

Posted by: Susan | September 25, 2004 10:35 PM

My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones in this war,but I am so thankful that Scott is on the road to recovery. There are a lot of prayers going out for him and his family here in Texas. I continue to pray and thank God for our brave soldiers and for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom! We love you Scott, get well soon.

Posted by: Roma | September 25, 2004 11:17 PM

Super news on your son. He sounds like a fighter and that is what you all need now. I hope he gets to eat some real food soon. Real food just makes ya feel better. I glad to hear he is off the morphine. I have spent time on it and it clouds your mind even more than what he can stand at this point. It was neat to hear him get his needs out in a sentence for all to understand. We also teared up and laughed while reading the line. We will continue to keep your son and your family in our thoughts. Please take care of yourself also. Your health is very important for your sons recovery. Thanks for the great news. Always thinking of you.

The Smarts
Anchorage, Alaska

Posted by: John & Kathy Smart | September 26, 2004 10:14 AM

Tell Scott we love him and praying for a speedy
recovery. WE DO CARE. Thank you.

Posted by: Florence | September 26, 2004 10:18 AM

Best wishes and I hope he makes a complete recovery. When you read that it puts into perspective any problems you may have.

Posted by: Jon | September 26, 2004 12:21 PM

It is wonderful to hear that your son has such an awesome support system. He sounds very strong spirited and I'm sure that, along with the love and support of his family will be responsible for his full recovery. These sort of posts are hard for me to read as I am an Army wife myself and my husband will be returning to Iraq for a second time this coming Spring. It is a scary and difficult time right now for all of us who love someone in the armed forces. We are stationed at a post that has already lost over 250 soldiers in Iraq. There are thousand's and thousand's of wounded soldiers who's stories we rarely get to hear. Your son's story is an encouraging ray of hope. He sounds like a very brave and determined man who is clearly an asset to our armed forces. My toughts and prayers are with him, his wife, and their baby girl. I will check back often to hear about his progress.

Posted by: Natalie | September 26, 2004 12:46 PM

REALLY HAPPY FOR ALL OF YOU..
KEEP GOING, HE'S FIGHTING BACK TO YOU.
HAPPY TO HEAR HE"S HUNGRY AND TELLING YOU
ABOUT IT!MY WISHES TO ALL OF YOU
ARE, TO KEEP GOING .....
PLEASE LET THE OTHER SOLDIER'S THAT WERE
INJURED KNOW WE ALSO WISH THEM WELL,
AND WE SEND THEM LOVE TOO.

C- 2/3 MOM

Posted by: dorothy | September 26, 2004 7:35 PM

Thank- you for sharing Scott with all the others Moms in the states. My prayers are with all of you during this hardship. Scott is a strong man and lucky to have all his family support. He also has all of our support.Keep up the good work on recovering, Scott!!
another 5-20 mom

Posted by: pat klein | September 26, 2004 10:02 PM

Our prayers are with you and your family. We pray that Scott will continue to improve. God bless you.
A proud stryker mom

Posted by: Anonymous | September 27, 2004 8:14 AM

I wish I had known about this on line update sooner. Waiting for a call from Tiff, the suspense has been killing us. I have been spending my days at MAMC with Will and Ryan since the day they came back. They keep asking about Scott’s condition and were really happy when I red them your update yesterday. Will should be getting released from the hospital today after having some hardware placed into his arm a few days ago. Ryan however has several more surgeries ahead of him and about a month in the hospital. They are both, as well as James who was sent home as soon as they hit Fort Lewis, in pretty good spirit. They were VERY happy to hear about Scott moving his right side and attempting to punch a nurse (as I have heard). We are all very excited to have him back home for football games and Sunday morning NASCAR. Please forward him our love and support and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Posted by: Mo Duran | September 27, 2004 9:22 AM

Thank you for posting Scott's updates on this website (and thank you for maintaining such a site, to keep us informed). Although I don't know your son, you have made him such a personal part of my life. I have included him specifically in my prayers as well as those in your family. When I first read about Scott's injury and then your journal, I cried because it touched my heart in such a way. I am so proud of Scott and of all our men and women serving in our Military. They have my greatest respect. It is my belief that they truly are our Country's finest Hero's. I will pray for Scott's continued recovery, and for all of our soldiers. God Bless you and give you the strength that you and Scott need to face each challenge that presents itself.
I Peter 5:7
Respectfully, C. McGrew

Posted by: Cindy McGrew | September 27, 2004 9:47 AM

As the father of a 172nd Brigade Stryker driver (currenly training in Alaska) I've viewed the Stryker brigade photos many times. I was deeply saddened to read that Scott had been seriously wounded. I'm praying for his recovery and for God to grant you strength in this difficult and painful time. To Scott and all his fellow Stryker Brigade comrades: You guys are my heroes!

Posted by: Terry Mason | September 28, 2004 6:58 AM

Thank you so much for keeping us updated on Scott's progress. My son was there (SSG Gunderson)and I know he thinks about his men all the time. The worst part is not being able to help. The progress reports help us all keep up on him. Tell Scott we are all thinking of him and praying for a speedy recovery.

Posted by: MarJean | September 28, 2004 10:09 AM

Please let Scott know that I am very grateful for his bravery and dedication to his mission. He is a great asset to the 1/14 and to our entire military force. I am so proud of all of the soldiers risking their lives everyday for the freedom we tend to take for granted. My prayers are are with Scott for a speedy and thorough recovery and with Scott's parents as this is a trying time for we as parent's of those brave individuals fighting in Iraq. Affectionately known by your Platoon Leader as "the Mom".

Posted by: Rebecca Carkhuff | September 28, 2004 10:45 AM

My prayers go to the family of Scott Thorne, I am his wife's Aunt, and although I have not had the pleasure of meeting Scott, I feel I know alot about him through his Fathers letters of updates. I am hoping that Scott recovers in record time as his family needs him. It sounds like he is on the road to a great recovery. Keep the fight within your heart.

Posted by: Tommie | September 29, 2004 6:43 AM

Dear Scott and family of Scott,

I hope the very best for you (and all the other familys and soldiers serving overseas) - espacially for a fast recover enabling Scott to return to his wive and family.
I will keep you in my mind.
Benjamin, Hannover - Germany


Posted by: Benjamin | September 29, 2004 1:47 PM

I am His wife Tiffany's aunt Ola in Pensacola Florida. I found out about Scott's injuries from my husband when I called home from the medical needs shelter I worked at during Hurrican Ivan. I was very upset at another young man injured in this war but I was more deeply touched that he was Tiffany's husband. I cried for all the losses this war has caused and prayed then as I do daily for his recovery. I work for the State of Florida Health Dept.and have told my co-workers about Scott. We are all praying for his recovery and that his family will have the strength that it takes to get through something so terrible. Let's all pray that this war will be over soon and our men and women will be back home where they belong. God's Love and Protection, Ola

Posted by: Ola Atkins | September 29, 2004 5:49 PM

Steve and family,

Thank you for being willing to share this journey with us. I wish you could see the people like me, who come to check your updates, and are absolutely thrilled each time we hear of Scott's progress and now his humor.

You all sound like such a great crew to be around and Scott has already shown that he has what it takes to move through and overcome this.

My prayers and best wishes for Scott's healing, and wisdom for you and the doc's, as you all work with him in the days to come.

Sincerely,
Karen Yates
A 1/37th Spouse

Posted by: Karen Y | September 29, 2004 11:37 PM

TO SCOTT,
AND FAMILY..
JUST CHECKED IN,
AND FOUND YOU WITH
RED STRING CANDY IN
YOUR MOUTH!AND A GOOD
SENCE OF HUMOR..YOUR DAD'S
RIGHT. COULD BE THE NEED
TO HAVE REAL FOOD, TO GIVE
MORE STRENGTH.THE SWELLING IS
A BIG FACTOR,AND THAT WILL
TAKE TIME..MAJOR TRAMA..TO AREA.
AND THE BODY;S DEFENCE.
THOSE WIRE'S WILL RECONECT..
HAVE FAITH..YOUR SON IS STRONG,
AND USE TO LEADING,THIS IS
GOING TO GIVE HIM THE WILL
TO SUCCEED,WITH THE FAMILY'S
HELP AND LOVE..
YOUR A GREAT FAMILY...

Posted by: DOROTHY | September 30, 2004 4:02 AM

Scott, we are thinking of you and know that God
is listening as from what I read from your Dad
you still have your sense of humor considering
what you have been through. Get well fast and
I will be looking to read more good news from your Dad. Thanks for a job well done and give
the doctors and nurses all kind of H--l. This
will prove you can't keep a good man down.

Posted by: Florence | September 30, 2004 4:23 AM

I will pray for Scott and your family. Scott sounds like a tough person and I believe will recover from his wounds. I would be proud to shake his hand some day. He is an American hero.
From a father of a stryker soldier just heading to Iraq 3/21.

Posted by: Randy Burke | October 1, 2004 9:27 PM

Steve,
Yes, I know someone who can instantally heal. There are many examples in the four gospels in the Bible of Him doing this. There are many praying for Scott. His healing will come, but miracles, signs and wonders were for the unbeliever, that they might believe.Yes there are still miracles today. I don't know why Scott has to suffer what he is going through. I would pray that it will be for the glory of God. If we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. I too have a son in the Brigade, he is rotating out soon. He was involved in a serious Stryker accident. All survived. He only spent 4 day in the hospital in Mosul. One was shipped back with a broken neck who is in Walter Reed now. He is expected to recover fully. I do know that God has watched over my son the past year. No one mortal knows why one is perserved and one is lost, but the Father. I pray for your son Steve as I know many are.... and your family. I pray for those therapist, doctors, and nurses. I thank God for the technoligies that have been developed that allow many recoveries that would not have been possible in many of our wars. I support what our soldiers are doing in Iraq. I know you are proud of your son...I know I am. He is a fighter, he will overcome this breif setback. Thanks for keeping us informed. Tom

Posted by: Anonymous | October 2, 2004 4:58 AM

Blessings and Peace to your family. From a Stryker mom who's son is a soldier with 1/14 currently in Iraq as a mechanic. Take of your selves and I will pray for your healing and health.

Posted by: A Stryker Mom | October 2, 2004 5:02 AM

Oh happy day! I am so glad to hear that Scott is standing. He is a can do guy in a can do family. Godspeed in his recovery.

Posted by: Rosemary Rosen | October 2, 2004 5:12 AM

Today as I enter Church I will put Scott's name
in the prayer book so that all can pray for him.
Glad to hear he is standing up all great signs.

Posted by: Florence | October 2, 2004 6:23 AM

Thank you for sharing these updates with us. Our daughter is studying occupational therapy at the University of WA and will be sharing them with her classmates. There is so much they can learn from your writing! We are all praying for Scott and rejoicing in the rapid progress he is making! We are praying for all of his family, too. Remember to keep your eyes UP and remind Scott to do the same.

Posted by: Pat | October 2, 2004 5:49 PM

Thank you for providing these updates in regards to your son's recovery. He seems to be a strong person who will definitely make it through. It is also nice that you are reinforcing the special care that our wounded soldier receive.

You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Annette | October 2, 2004 8:57 PM

My heart goes out to you and your family; Scott will remain in my heart and prayers as he goes through this recovery. From reading your updates, I can tell Scott is an extremely strong man with a great passion for life; I know he will come out on top when all is said and done. Please thank your son for his service and bravery. Our country would not be what it is today without him and the men that stand beside him. Please keep us updated; God bless you and yours truly.

Posted by: Emily | October 2, 2004 10:55 PM

My wife and i are so happy for your family. We know you are taking each small win in stride. We like what we are hearing and though it will be a long journey your family is strong. We will think of you often and pray for Scott's full recovery. Our son is in the 1-14th CAV also and just headed back from R & R today. We hope all the men and women can come home soon to their families. We do belive they are doing the right job also. Please take care of yourselves and keep up the good reports as you see fit to write them. Good luck.

Our Family to yours.

Posted by: The Smarts | October 2, 2004 11:07 PM

I am a 1-14 Cav soldier. I do not know your son but I heard of the accident and I have read your inserts. I am still deployed in Iraq and I want you to know we have your son in our prayers at 1-14 CAV Alpha Troop.

In hopes of a fast full recovery

Sgt Anthony Wade

Posted by: anthony wade | October 3, 2004 8:42 AM

Steve that is a beautiful picture of Scott and his family. The baby seen so content to be in his arms. God bless them all and a speedy recovery to all.

Posted by: Florence | October 4, 2004 7:25 AM

Last week when I first saw this article, I read everything you wrote...crying and laughing (Scott has a great spirit and sense of humor) all at the same time. I don't know Scott, but have been deeply touched by this story. He will remain in my thoughts and prayers as will you and the rest of his family. That was a beautiful picture of his family. I wish Scott a speedy recovery; I know he'll pull through...after all, he's got a great compassion for life, an unbreakable spirit, and is one of the best...a high-speed soldier. God Bless you all.

Posted by: emilyechambers | October 4, 2004 8:55 PM

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY SCOTT..
YOU'VE BEEN BUSY!!
TEST'S AND A VISIT
WITH MAJOR'S!!!
I;M REALLY GLAD YOU
COULD SEE HIM. HOW HE'S
DOING?AND HOW DO YOU FEEL?
TRY SOME CRANBERRY JUICE
FOR A WHILE, IF POSSIBLE..
THE FIRST THING THE PED'S.
DOCTOR TOLD ME WHEN I HAD
MY SON.. THEY WILL
EAT WHAT THERE BODY NEED;S..
FRUIT , VEGGIE;S, AND MILKSHAKES,
YOUR SON NEED;S THIS..LOT'S OF JUICE..
AND MAKE SURE MAJOR'S, GET'S SOME T.L.C.
YOU SEEM TO BE THE RESIDENT DAD,AND MOM.
WE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU....
TIFFANY , YOU ARE A VERY BRAVE ,AND
WONDERFULL YOUNG LADY..YOUR DAUGHTER
LOOK'S AS IF SHE'S TAKING ALL THIS
AS WELL AS HER DAD!!!
SO THAT'S A GOOD THING..
HER DAD'S MADE OF GOOD METAL...
LOVE TO ALL, AND TO P.F.C.MAJOR'S..

Posted by: DOROTHY | October 5, 2004 3:13 AM

I was attached to 1/14 CAV and got to know Scott early on in the deployment. We shared a common bond in that both our wives were pregnant. We shared ultra sound pictures and thoughts about becoming a parent. If there's one thing I learned about Scott is that he is one tough SOB and he will get through this. That and he will be a great father. My best to the entire Thorne Family.

Posted by: Jason Gamble | October 5, 2004 10:33 PM

Steve you sure have nerves of steel not to say
what is bothering you. Glad to hear Scott is getting better one day at a time. How is the beautiful little girl. Hang in there God is listening and again please tell Scott thanks for
being a hero for all of us.

Posted by: Florence | October 6, 2004 6:35 AM

Scott,
Keep the attitude with the Bethesda staff as long as you are there. I did my time there long ago and reading about you giving them hell brought a flood of memories back. Personally I enjoyed asking the larger, less friendly female nurses for sponge baths or beer, but I was able to communicate from the start, much to their dismay...

Your progress is amazing and you have a fantastic family from what I read here. Don't give up when it gets hard, I wasn't supposed to walk properly ever again and I haven't limped in over 15 years.

Pull through buddy, I haven't met you but you are in my prayers and thoughts now.

Posted by: PO2 Provost (RT'd) | October 6, 2004 11:38 PM

HELLO,
TO THE THORN FAMILY..
THE DOOR'S TOO SMALL,
NO SHOE'S SCOTT'S SIZE,
AND THE HOSPITAL'S JUMPING!!!
PROGRESS!!!
HEARING TEST LATER...
I THINK WE NOW KNOW ,WHO ,
IS SHAKING THE TREE..
AND WHY.
GLAD TO HEAR IT!!
SCOTT'S DOING BETTER,
AND,
GETTING A BETTER LOOK AT HIS
POSITION..THE FAST TRACK ,SEEMS
TO FIT HIM.
QUESTION??
DOES HE REMEMBER EVERY THING,
THAT HAPPENED ? OR BIT'S, AND
PIECES? HIS HAIR AND SCAR,
SEEMED TO SURPRISE HIM..
WAS IT EXPLAINED TO HIM?
E=MAIL FROM HIS
BUDDIES ?..
LAP TOP AROUND?
ALSO THERE ARE PROGRAMS
ON LINE, FOR LEARNING VISUAL
AIDE,AND IDENTIFYING ITEM'S.
COMPANY IS GOOD,HOW'S MAJOR'S?,
PASS ALONG OUR LOVE..AND TO
YOUR FAMILY..
WE KNOW YOU ARE DOING A
WONDERFULL JOB ,AND WE
ARE HERE TO LISTEN ,AS WELL
AS HELP..
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS
POINT IN WHAT DIRECTION
YOU MAY NEED US.
RIGHT!, STRYKER FORCE?
GIVE A HUG TO ALL, FOR US.
AND TO THOSE YOUNG MEN
THAT ARE COMING DAILY,
GIVE AS MANY AS YOU CAN
OUR LOVE AND HUG'S..
GOD SPEED TO ALL OF THEM..
HAVE THE LOCAL CHURCHES COME
IN TO SEE THE YOUNG ONE'S?
LOCAL MIL. FAMILY'S, AND RETIRED
PERSONEL? LOCAL V.F.W./ AND
AMERICAN LEGION..?
A BUG IN THERE EAR, IS
A GOOD PROJECT FOR THE
GORILLA....
HAVE TO GO ,
GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH..

Posted by: DOROTHY | October 7, 2004 4:23 AM

We would love to have you come to Minnesota. I am told that the VA here is world class. Is it cold? Yes, but we prepare for it and consider winter a feature, not a bug.

Keep the info coming. We can't rally behind our wounded heros unless we hear their stories.

Our prayers are with you

Kevin in Minnesota

Posted by: Kevin B | October 7, 2004 3:01 PM

Thank you so much for keeping everyone updated on your sons progress, as I sit here laughing and crying through your daily stories it literally gives me butterflies in the tummy b/c there are so many soldiers out there that are wounded and people who just don't understand how very special they are to have sacrficed all to come home and sacrifice some more to somehow try to be the same person as before. TBI is nothing fun. I pray for you and your family as well as everyone elses family. My lil bro was also injured and I can only say BLESS ALL OF YOU THAT MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE and God Speed to those coming and going back.....Thanks again

Posted by: Kuuipo | October 7, 2004 9:08 PM

Steve you must have gotten the message through the right person. Real glad you got to see Pfc.
Majors as well. Be sure and tell him too that we
think he is a hero and thanks for a job well done. This is the first site I visit so that I can tell my friend how Scott is doing and now I
can tell about Majors. I hope they find a great
VA hospital for Scott and his family. God bless.

Posted by: Florence | October 8, 2004 6:16 AM

I was concerned today when I first open this site and your update wasn't there. Glad I waited because all seems to going great. I know Scott was thrilled to have the baby in his arms. So the VA hospital will be in MN hope he gets as good care as he has been getting. Tell Scott to
take care eat his vegetables as it will make him
stronger. He has a great outlook on life God bless him. Till tomorrow.

Posted by: Florence | October 9, 2004 12:48 PM

Steve, thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm praying for your son and for your family.I can't even begin to know what its like. I wish your son and your family and his wife, the best of luck. Tell Tiff to stand strong and that everything will work out in the end. God speed. Best wishes.

Posted by: dena | October 10, 2004 8:21 PM

Steve and family,
I am so impressed with the progress Scott has made and only wish he too could understand how far and how fast he is coming . Keep up the sense of humor with Scott as you know laughter is the best medicine . Even if it's opnly a laugh a day . Keep up the great support , your family sets such a great example I hope others can and do the same .
Kerry

Posted by: Kerry Jacobson | October 10, 2004 8:21 PM

HELLO THORN TEAM..

JUST CHECKING IN TO SEE
ABOUT SCOTT'S PROGRESS.
DOING GOOD SCOTT!!!
SITTING UP, WALKING, AND
CALLING THE BUDDY'S.
YOUR IMPRESSING THE HECK
OUT OF US ALL..
AS IS YOUR FAMILY..
TAKE THE BLESSING'S
YOU RECIVE AND ENJOY...
YOUR DAD AND MOM HAVE BEEN
WONDERFUL, AND THEY HAVE SHARED
YOUR RETURN, THRU GOOD AND
BAD WITH US..
AND THEY HAVE GIVEN,
A GLIMPS OF P.F.C.MAJOR'S.
WHO WE SEND OUR LOVE TO ..
AND MAY GOD ENCIRCLE HIM
WITH LOVE AND KEEP HIM
ON THE MEND.AS WELL..
WE LOVE YOU THORN FAMILY.
AND LOVE TO MAJOR'S.

Posted by: DOROTHY | October 11, 2004 2:35 AM

I am sorry to here that you have to leave your son. I have a good feeling though that he is a very strong person and the rest of the family will take good care of him. My prayers are with your son as well as all of the other great services members effected by this deployment. Scouts Out! (As my husband would say)

Posted by: JV | October 11, 2004 10:18 PM

I've been checking up on here to find out about Scott's progress for the past few weeks. Please let him know I wish him well. I am so impressed with his strength and determination; it's incredible (I don't think I could emphasize that enough!!!). My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Tiffany, baby girl, and the Entire Thorne family.

Posted by: Desult | October 12, 2004 3:45 AM

Again thank you Mr. Thorne for your awesome updates. For many of us here a day could not go by without reading the update on Scott. Some of us check the email first thing when we get up and others have their wives read it to them over the phone on their way to work. Scott’s buddies here are always talking about him and talking to him on the phone the other day made them feel so much better. It is our plan to come and visit Scott as soon as he is transferred to the VA hospital. This tragic incident created an unbreakable bond between a group of friends who were, even before this happened, willing to put their lives in each other’s hands. These are the friendships to last a lifetime and your updates make these friends feel much closer to each other.
Thank you

Posted by: Mo | October 12, 2004 10:34 AM

Thank you for the latest update on Scott. Hope you had a safe trip back to CA. I know you hated
to leave Scott because I think you know how to get things done. As for the privacy I agree with you its a bunch of bull. I volunteer in a
local hospital and know quite a few people and I get to talking (like a woman) and was told it was
against the privacy act. Oh well my best to Scott and his family. God bless you all.

Posted by: Florence | October 14, 2004 10:01 AM

Mr Thorne, thank you for the awesome updates. My wife Maryann has been keeping me informed on all of it. I was with Scott in Iraq and was sent home because of the same incident. I finally viewed the updates myself today. I wish I would have sooner. Talking to Scott last sunday did me a world of good. He gave me the strength to start healing my biggest wound, my memory. I miss Scott and cannot wait to visit him. The kids miss him also, he has tutored them in math and is sorely missed. You all are in our prayers, thank you.
James

Posted by: James Wingate | October 14, 2004 2:32 PM

Mr Thorne,

We check the updates on Scott daily and cannot say how much your sharing his progress with us means.

What an AMAZING man he is :)

Is there a mailing address to send something to Scott at that I might have missed? My kids have a couple luck pieces and a get well card they made that they would like to send to him.

Best regards,
Angel Moss

Posted by: Angel | October 16, 2004 9:13 PM

Everytime you mention about Scott not being through with being a soldier a shed a tear. As an ex military I say " f***ing HOAH" from the top of my lungs. As a wife of a soldier like Scott I say I am proud as I am sure everyone else is of him. Scott, stand tall because you deserve it. And trust me if you have a problem holding yourself up there is enough peolpe to be your support. Scouts Out!

Posted by: jv | October 16, 2004 9:18 PM

Mr. Thorne i am a member of Scotts TRP. I am in 1st PLT. Scott is in our prayers every night and is trully missed. This web site is a great help to all of us deployed over here. We are able to check on a friend and see udates every day. If you could pass a message from our PLT, hang in there SSG Thorne we all will see you soon. "Recon leads the way"


SSG Vantress, Casey
1st PLT, B TRP (Bronco 13)

Posted by: SSG Vantress | October 18, 2004 11:49 AM

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