Archive for Thursday, July 16, 2009
Lawrence soldier injured while fighting in Iraq
David Conway II, a 22-year-old Army specialist and 2005 Lawrence High School graduate, suffered leg injuries on Sunday due to an improvised explosive device near Sharqat, Iraq. Conway's grandfather, Isaac Conway, said he is expected to recover from his injuries.
July 16, 2009
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Lawrence native injured in Iraq
A LHS graduate is recovering from leg injuries after being struck by an explosion in Iraq. Enlarge video
Army Spc. David Conway II was walking back to his vehicle Sunday afternoon in Sharqat, Iraq.
After a peaceful meeting about helping city officials there, the 22-year-old 2005 Lawrence High School graduate suddenly saw his afternoon spiral into chaos. An improvised explosive device detonated and injured himself, six other troops and two civilians, including a translator traveling with the group.
“They had just talked to the city’s mayor and council to do something with their city as they were walking back to their vehicles,” said Conway’s grandfather, Isaac Conway, who lives in Lawrence.
David Conway suffered a broken right leg and a broken heel. Shrapnel also cut into his legs and hand, but he is expected to make a full recovery, his grandfather said.
Conway was serving his second deployment in Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division, which is based on Hawaii.
“They hadn’t really had any major incidents until this,” Isaac Conway said.
According to a letter to family members from Lt. Col. Raul E. Gonzalez, most soldiers injured in the incident were expected to rejoin their unit this week, except for Conway and another soldier, who is also expected to make a full recovery.
Army doctors have performed surgery on Conway’s heel, and they were waiting to transfer him from a base near Baghdad to Germany. Family members said eventually he would be flown to the United States for rehab. He also has a cast on his right leg. Doctors have told Conway he can walk again in six weeks.
“It could have been worse. We’re thankful that he is recovering. He’s in good reparable condition,” Conway’s grandfather said.
Isaac and Betty Conway, David’s grandmother, live in Lawrence along with the soldier’s father, David Conway, and stepmother, Kristie Conway.
“You don’t want anybody hurt, as far as things go. We’re just thankful that he survived and is going to be able to walk again,” his father said.
The Army specialist is married to Ashley Vielma, of Honolulu. CNN reported earlier this week that the blast was the first major attack on U.S. troops since combat troops began withdrawing from major Iraqi cities on June 30.
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16 July 2009
at 2:06 p.m.
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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
freakin' barbarians
16 July 2009
at 2:15 p.m.
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KansasVoter (Anonymous) says…
puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
“freakin' barbarians”
Americans would be doing the exact same thing if another country attacked, invaded, and occupied our country.
16 July 2009
at 2:26 p.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Spc. Conway.
The names of every man and woman in the armed forces who has been hurt or killed in the line of duty should be known and given as much (or more) attention as the media and citizens give to the lives of enterntainers or athletes. But it isn't. If we had the news coverage devoted to the two wars we are in now, that was equal to or exceeding what we had during the Viet Nam war, one has to wonder what the impact at home would be.
16 July 2009
at 2:47 p.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
I guess Kansasvoter missed the part that said, “After a peaceful meeting about helping city officials there…”
freakin' barbarians
16 July 2009
at 3:26 p.m.
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PeachiePie (Anonymous) says…
I truly appreciate the time and sacrifices that Spc. Conway has made in helping to keep the US safe, as well as all of our troops that are stationed overseas. Blessings to him and his family, I know they all must be beside themselves worrying more than usual because of this and will continue to do so until he returns to his home soil. That is a terrible thing to have happen, especially after a peaceful meeting…politics aside…this has gone on long enough!
16 July 2009
at 4:13 p.m.
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soldier1 (Anonymous) says…
KansasVoter (Anonymous) says…
puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
“freakin' barbarians”
Americans would be doing the exact same thing if another country attacked, invaded, and occupied our country.
–––––––-
you should really know what you are talking about before you open your mouth. Meanwhile, go hug a tree or something
16 July 2009
at 4:59 p.m.
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calvin (Anonymous) says…
Gilchrist-You are a damn idiot. This war is not about oil and have some freaking respect for our injured solders who serve so we can be free.
16 July 2009
at 7:12 p.m.
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smbutler (Anonymous) says…
Thanks for your service and I pray for a fast and speedy recovery. God bless! Take care from an old chesty lion!
16 July 2009
at 9 p.m.
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em1 (Anonymous) says…
Thank you. From a FSHS grad and a Navy guy (2 strikes against me I'm sure :-). I'm glad to hear you have a good prognosis and wish you and your family the best.
Hand Salute.
Ready Two.
16 July 2009
at 9:27 p.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
One more reason to bring the troops home and send Washington D.C. politicians to replace them with Bush,Rumsfeld,Rice,Cheney and Gates leading the charge.
16 July 2009
at 9:44 p.m.
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kansasfaithful (Anonymous) says…
God bless this soldier and a special pray for his family. Your grandson is far more brave than me. Thank you
16 July 2009
at 10:58 p.m.
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Dec84 (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
16 July 2009
at 11:14 p.m.
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mdrndgtl (Anonymous) says…
I pray for your quick recovery and thank you for your sacrifice.
16 July 2009
at 11:34 p.m.
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RalphReed (Ralph Reed) says…
Our prayers are with you and your family.
God Speed.
16 July 2009
at 11:39 p.m.
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beatrice (Anonymous) says…
“but he is expected to make a full recovery” — best part of the whole story.
Thanks for your sacrifice and I wish you a speedy recovery.
17 July 2009
at 12:30 a.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
God bless you Spc Conway.
I was so glad to read that you are expected to fully recover.
rehab can be tough, but you'll come out tougher on the other side. thank you for your service and sacrifice.
***
to the leftist antiwar nuts Gilcrist et al,
please note the end of the article. our “commander of chief” hasn't made a big deal of this because of his attitude problem. but we are winning in Iraq, almost done; the troops have recently pulled out of Iraq's big cities!
under most administrations, this would be a time of celebration. our wonderful military personnel have done what was asked of them. they demonstrated courage, innovation, and got the job done!
Iraq was never about oil. but note, the Iraqi government isn't running a multitrillion dollar debt.
17 July 2009
at 7:17 a.m.
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Jean1183 (Anonymous) says…
God Bless you Spc. Conway and Thank You so much for your service! I pray you have a speedy and complete recovery from your injuries.
17 July 2009
at 10:21 a.m.
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eotw33 (Anonymous) says…
KansasVoter - americans would do much, much worse things to people if we got invaded.
27 July 2009
at 5:53 p.m.
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marysfunkygroove (Anonymous) says…
this is my cousin. i am happy to see that he is ok
27 July 2009
at 6:04 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
MFG,
so are we!
please let him know his hometown is pulling for him!