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Local soldiers injured in Afganistan
Specialist John Dale Loomis of Vidalia suffered cuts, bruises and a concussion after the vehicle he was riding in struck a homemade explosive and sent their truck airborne on Nov. 22 in Afghanistan.
Loomis, who is part of the 1086th Transportation Company, suffered cuts to his tongue and chin, bruises on his face and a concussion.
Specialist Russell Nelson of Jonesville suffered a broken arm, while Sgt. Brandon Guillot of Marksville had stitches to his head from scrap metal.
Loomis, Nelson and Guillot will all receive Purple Hearts.
The 1086th arrived in Afghanistan on Oct. 31.
The company was just leaving Bagram Airforce Base when the explosion occurred.
"We were going out on a mission and had only made it a few miles out of the gate," Loomis said. "Being the middle truck in the convoy, we were struck by an IED (improvised explosive device) inside a culvert, set off by a command wire. It struck the front of the truck, causing the truck to go airborne briefly. The blast was about 400 pounds worth of homemade explosives."
Loomis said at first he was in shock.
"When it went off I thought to myself, 'Is this really happening to us?' Your life flashes before your eyes. You always hear stories of other soldiers being hit by these things and most of the time the outcome is never good. After I realized what had happened, I checked my arms and legs to see if I still had them. That was my worst fear. The truck and its armor did its job in protecting us from the blast."
Loomis said the trio will return to duty when everyone is fully recovered.For the full story, subscribe to the The Concordia Sentinel's NEW E-Edition! |
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