UPDATE ON

CPL. MILLE

Happy President's Day! George Washington and Abe Lincoln knew firsthand the horrors of war, and would be as concerned about America's troops today as they were during their own times.

About a month ago, I posted here about a wounded soldier who had just arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here in Bethesda.

Army Cpl. Joseph Mille had just gotten out of intensive care, and I posted the address where he could receive letters and cards.

Now I have an update, and despite the tragedy that occurred in Afghanistan - directly leading to Mille's stay at Walter Reed - all of the news is good!

First, I received word from Terry Dougherty, a teacher at Roland Rogers ES in New Jersey, that her class has mailed 70 Valentines to Cpl. Mille, and is gathering more letters and cards to send from well-wishers. That is fantastic!

But it gets even better:

The Press of Atlantic City reports that Cpl. Mille has asked his high school sweetheart, Hillary Martin, to marry him.

A custom wheelchair is being ordered for him, but Cpl. Mille not only is working towards walking again, he plans to stay in the Army!

Finally, the Brigantine Sons of the American Legion are generously donating the proceeds from their annual Jimmy Buffet Night to Cpl. Mille's recovery costs.

Cpl. Mille was wounded severely when he rushed to the aid of a comrade already wounded by an IED in Kandahar.

You can still give support to Cpl. Mille by sending cards and letters to:

Cpl. Joseph Mille

Room 458

8901 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, MD 20889