Stryker Brigade News

NORTH CENTRAL WA COMMUNITIES SUPPORT HERO

Last December, on the eve of Christmas Eve, Sgt. Michael Buyas, 1st BN/5th Inf, 1/25 SBCT, was on patrol near Mosul. His Stryker hit a large IED, flipping the 22 ton vehicle and catapulting Buyas more than 40 feet distance. He woke up Christmas Day at Walter Reed Army hospital, his wife, Carrie, at his side. The explosion cost Buyas his left leg above the knee and his lower right leg.

This Ft. Lewis soldier from Chelan, WA is working hard on his rehabilitation at Walter Reed, and making an awesome recovery. In March, when his three young sons came to WR for the first time since the accident, Buyas was concerned about their reaction to his prosthetic legs. Jaiden, age 3, summarized it best - "Cool! You've got robot legs."

Extended family and several North-central Washington communities have rallied in support of this SBCT soldier and his family. On 21 May, Armed Forces Day, the Columbia River H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) will hold its 3rd annual "Run For the Border". More than 300 motorcycles are expected to gather in Wenatchee to make the 300 mile RT ride to the US/Canada border at Oroville and back. The Ride, initiated as a fundraiser to support military personnel with special needs, last year raised more than $14,000 for Campaign SOS (Support Our Soldiers). This year's proceeds will benefit Sgt. Buyas and his family in their housebuilding project.

A fund has been established by the Fraternal Order of Police, NCW Lodge #17. Contributions may be made to:

NCWFOP Michael Buyas Benefit Fund, and deposited with the North Central Credit Union, 349 Simon Street, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. Tel: 509-884-2222.