Stryker Brigade News

November 15, 2004 - PM Update

Hi Todd

My visit last night with Travis gave me a much better insight to the soldier in the bed. I could tell that Travis wanted the visit to last as long as possible (maybe for the same reasons I did)... Good-byes are never easy. I heard about stories from his childhood. Stories of a younger Travis that were both humorous and some that were full of much mischief. It was hard to say if the tears I experienced were from laughing so hard or the good-bye to come. To say that he was "all boy" growing up is an understatement. Then he moved on to more recent stories and about his experiences as a soldier. He told me about how much he misses his "buddies." Hopefully, I will have the address of where he is going in GA, so cards can be sent his way.

Physical Therapy earlier in the day seemed to take a lot out of Travis, as he was experiencing some pain in his upper left arm and required some additional pain meds. Travis expressed his desire to visit with Mike Oreo on Tuesday so hopefully that can be arranged. Last night Mike Oreo Sr. came by to pass along well wishes from he and his family, and Travis really enjoyed seeing him.

Attached are some pictures that were taken of Travis and President & Mrs. Bush. They were taken with a throw away camera so I apologize if they are not that clear. I am going back tomorrow night, only time will tell me if he is still at WR.... it will be bitter sweet to say the least.

Have a Blessed Day!
Respectfully yours
Cindy McGrew

November 15, 2004 - AM Update

Hi Todd

I have attached some recent pictures of Travis and one of the "coins" that he has been collecting from various General's and one from President Bush as well. I do have some pictures of the President's visit to Travis, but that is on a cd at home, so I will forward those later today.

It looks like Travis will be transferred to a VA Hospital in Georgia some time this week, so sadly for me, I will not be able to post too many pics after this week) o :

Travis expressed his well wishes to his fellow soldiers and wanted to include his address. [Since he's moving soon], once I get an address for the VA Hospital in GA, I will send that along.

Travis continues to have "phantom pain" in his upper body. His mood is very good, and his sense of humor is delightful, considering what he's been faced with. Although he says he is sad to be leaving Walter Reed, as he had hoped to get through the holidays here in DC. Travis enjoyed the visit he received from President and Mrs. Bush, and was very complimentary and appreciative that both President and Mrs. Bush maintained eye contact with him throughout their visit. I plan to visit with him again tonight and will report anything else that I can think of. There is a picture of me with him - he wanted that one on the site, because he refers to me as his Guardian Angel. I told him that is not necessary, as I am just me.

The pics will follow of the visit from President GWB....

I will make an attempt to visit with 1st Lt D.J. Skelton Jr. on my visit tonight.
God Bless ~