A Soldier's Story

By Doug Geed

     It was a moment that changed Chris Levi's life forever; a moment that he will never forget. Riding in his military vehicle in what's become one of the most dangerous locations in Iraq, a road, an explosion was triggered. In an instant, Levi lost both his legs. Part of his hand was blown off in the split second incident as well. The Army corporal from Holbrook says he didn't even feel any pain and knew right away what happened. Others with him were killed or injured. He remembers calmly telling anyone who would listen that he had lost his legs. Towels and blankets were wrapped quickly around his knees. The next thing he remembers, he woke up in a military hospital in Germany the next day.

     This Friday, August 15th, starting in the 8 am hour, we'll bring you "A Soldier's Story" -- an amazing tale of courage, patriotism and optimism.
    As Chris spends months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center trying to learn to walk all over again -- this time with artificial limbs -- he still smiles and says how he loves his country, always wanted to serve in the military and has no regrets about what happened to him. He'll talk about how proud he is helping the Iraqi people in small villages trying to build a life of freedom. Watching him do his physical therapy makes you sad, makes you proud and makes you feel humbled.
     We all get stressed at work. We all get angry at unnecessary traffic jams and the high cost of living we have here on Long Island. We get upset when our team loses, angry at our kids when they didn't do like we told them. We get angry at poor service at a restaurant and wonder "why these things always happen to me" when all the close parking spaces are taken at the mall.
    And then there's people like Chris Levi. Let's hope we all keep him in mind the next time we feel like we have something to complain about. And let's always remember the thousands of our men and women overseas right now -- some of whom won't come home to their families -- others who will return with no physical injuries, but with emotional and psychological scars that will affect them and their families forever.

     I hope you can join me for A Soldier's Story airing this Friday. And here is a link you might want to check out. The Holbrook Fire Department and other agencies are trying to raise money for renovations that are needed for Chris' house when he returns to Long Island.

http://buildinghomesforheroes.com/