I'm saddened to read of the death of Sergeant Merlin German, USMC, aged 22.
He was severely wounded February 21, 2005, en route to Camp Ramadi, when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb.
He was not expected to survive, but he was transported to Germany and then to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, which has the U.S. military's top burns unit.
He spent nine months in intensive care and underwent more than 100 operations.
German moved out of the hospital into his own home after 17 months of treatment.
He founded Merlin's Miracles, a charity that aims "to assist burned children and their families to take vacations, trips, outings or anything the families needed to make life a little easier," according to its Web site.
German died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center of complications after surgery.
"He beat all odds and then on top of that continued to serve as an inspiration and motivator for others," said Dr. Evan Renz, a critical-care surgeon who treated German.
"It is very difficult to describe the sense of loss. He endeared himself to all he came in contact with. It's really impossible to describe, except to say: Imagine the loss of dear family or friend."
May Almighty God have mercy on your soul, Sergeant, and receive you into His peace.
Sergeant Merlin founded 'Merlin's Miracles', an organization to help burned children and their families. I invite you to click on the link, read about their work, and consider donating something to them to honor his memory.
Semper Fi, indeed! Even in the midst of his own pain and suffering, Sergeant German kept the faith, and remained true to the highest traditions of his Corps. I know they're proud of him, and will remember him.
Peter
He is at peace now. Basking is God's glory.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say when I see things like this is;
ReplyDelete1. Thank you to this young man and all our soldiers for defending my freedom.
2. May God bless his family and his soul.
3. God has him now. He is happy, free and patiently awaiting his loved ones.
Semper Fi
Joe
It is the greatest curse of war that we lose our best and brightest.
ReplyDeleteOnce more, we see this is all too true.
In these times when pop stars, American Idol and Survivor seem to be the focus of many to model themselves after...there are still those that, despite the most painful and difficult of circumstances, still stand on the shoulders of giants and, without saying a single word, point the way.
We have too few of his kind in this world I think...and certainly, you hear so little of them.
Semper Fi, Rest well Sarge, you did good service until the end and have earned your rest.