Close to Home

Well, the "war" in Iraq hit a little close to home today. I got this e-mail regarding Liz's cousin, Scott, who is/was posted in Mosul.

"At approximately 9:30 AM 5 Jan 05, Mosul time, 12, 330th Soldiers were traveling through the city of Mosul, in a 3 vehicle convoy when Anti Iraqi Forces detonated an Improvided Explosive Device as it passed by a certain location. One of our vehicles was badly damaged but was able to be driven back to our base camp.

SGT Smith was very seriously injured in this attack and is currently in Intensive Care here at the Combat Support Hospital in Mosul. He is expected to be flown to Germany tongiht for further treatments. I have spoken with the doctors here and they have a positive outlook on his recovery.

The 11 other 330th SOldiers were shaken up but none injured other than cuts and scrapes. Alot of them have ringing in their ears from the blast. One of my main concerns at this point is their mental well being. TLC will be a huge factor to help them deal with this event."

It sounds like Scott should be okay, but it's still awfully scary. Here's hoping the troops get home safe soon.

A little update to this story - I just got this e-mail, as well:

"This note is from Sgt Jeff Scott in Mosel

Sorry for keeping you waiting....

I was just at Scott's bedside at the Combat Hospital here in Mosul, Iraq. The doctors have him sedated and on a ventilator. This is mainly to keep him still and comfortable until he can be flown to Germany alter tonight or early in the morning. The doctors say NO internal organs were damaged from what they can tell so far, which is a good thing.

I'm getting you a phone number for the hospital he will be flown to...As soon as I get it, I'll e-mail you back. I may try to call again, but with it raining here, the connection may not be the best.

Jeff"