Reason Again To Support Operation Soldier

Here's a story of an Army hero whose family was helped recently by Operation Soldier:

Specialist Michel Ornelas, of the Delta Company 1st / 184th Infantry California National Guard, attached to the United States Army, is like many brave young men and women serving America. Brave, proud, and dedicated to protecting America.

Serving in Iraq, Specialist Ornelas was proud of serving with his fellow soldiers, and his sacrifice proved what a dedicated, brave patriot he truly is.

On September 23rd, 2005, while serving in Iraq, scouting for terrorists near Baghdad, the M113 Armored personnel carrier Specialist Ornelas and his crew was in was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).

The engine compartment and crew compartment ignited in flames. Specialist Ornelas was critically wounded as shrapnel tore through his right leg, breaking both major bones in the leg. However intense the pain and injuries were, Specialist Ornelas was still looking out for his crew, as he was able to force open the rear hatch door, allowing his crew to escape from the burning vehicle, undoubtedly saving many a soldier’s life and his own.

While Specialist Ornelas recovers from his wounds at Walter Reed Army Hospital near Washington DC, his family from Madera, California, has traveled to be by his bedside to give him the love and attention this fine patriot deserves. It is with great honor and humility that Operation Soldier, tries to offset the financial burden that the Ornelas family endures with travel expenses and has made a small contribution of $1000 to help alleviate the financial concerns they may have.

There are thousands of brave young men and women like Army Specialist Michael Ornelas, who have been injured while proudly and selflessly serving for us. It is often an insurmountable financial burden for their families to visit them, but with your support, Operation Soldier can help more families visit their injured loved ones.

If you can, please consider contributing to Operation Soldier, so thye may continue to help these fine young patriots and their families.