Michael Jardine
Despite the intensity of the blast, everyone else sustained minor bruises and cuts but unfortunately the armored vehicle landed on both Michael’s legs. Combat medics at the scene concluded that this could cause a possible double amputation on both Michael’s legs. Following intervention to pull him out of the vehicle that was on top of him and making him comfortable due to the pressure of the ton of weight on his legs, the incident caused severe multiple trauma which included fractures on both his lower legs and clavicle. He also sustained a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung). Military healthcare personnel stabilized his condition at the Combat Support Hospital in Afghanistan where he was flown four days later to Landstuhl, Germany. Michael was then transferred to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX for further care and extensive repair of nerve vessels in his lower extremities.
Michael was cared for at The Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of San Antonio following his transfer from BAMC. Michael was a courageous solder with great love of country. He believed that things happen for a reason and through sheer determination he would be an inspiration to those who knew him. With the help of his therapists, doctors and caregivers, Michael pressed on, one day at a time finding renewed strength and faith in God. No matter the pain, no matter the circumstances of his condition, he had the drive to get better. Michael patiently endured a long course of therapy which enabled him to build friendships not only with the staff but with other patients as well.
Today, Michael continues to do well and anticipating his final retirement from the Army after 20 years of service, he purchased his new home in Cibolo, Texas where he looks forward to many good times spent with his 4 children.