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Hero to Hero

Jan-26-2005 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT , Homefront

The following is an article about the Hero to Hero project and the recovery of Larry Kaibetoney, who was seriously injured in the mess hall explosion. Thanks to Dawn for the link.

Link to Full Article
by Shanon Burke, The Herald

Sometimes the reasons for a project are stationed far away — in Iraq — and organizers can hear stories told through e-mails, phone calls and letters.

On Jan. 15, however, Hero to Hero organizers and Central Pierce firefighters got to hear a first-hand account of life in Iraq, and be reminded of the importance of the part they play.

Larry Kaibetoney, a survivor of the Dec. 21 mess tent bombing in Iraq, stopped by the Central Pierce Fire Station as medics and firefighters were writing messages of hope and support on fire department shirts and gear they were donating to the Hero to Hero program.

A standing ovation and rounds of applause greeted Kaibetoney as he walked through the door, aided by a cane and his wife, Chani.

He thanked the department and organizers for inviting him, and readily started talking when asked to share his story.

Kaibetoney said the day of the bombing began normally.

“It was just another average day,” Kaibetoney said. “I got off guard duty and went to the chow hall.”

He said soldiers wear full body armor — Kevlar protection with ceramic plates on their chest and back — while on guard duty, and he had decided to not take his off while eating.

“Yeah, it’s too much work to take it off,” he said he remembered saying.

He was inside getting ready to eat when the blast occurred.

“Then there was this huge explosion,” Kaibetoney said. “A huge flash of light.”

Be sure to read the rest...


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