SEVERELY WOUNDED SOLDIER Severely Wounded Soldier Continues To Serve His Country

(NAPSI)-Johnathan Holsey has chosen a lifelong career in the United States military. As a sergeant first class in the Army, Holsey describes his service as his passion, not as his job. Holsey's life changed the day his convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in Iraq. In the blast, he suffered severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. Soon after this life-changing experience, he would spend months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center receiving treatment for his physical injuries and thinking mostly about what he wanted to do next. "The treatment I received at Walter Reed was outstanding," said Holsey. "Everyone made sure I always knew exactly what was going on and what options were there for me." Despite some uncertainties about his future, Holsey knew one thing for sure--that he wanted to continue his military service. A native of Georgia, Holsey is one of a growing number of severely wounded soldiers who are choosing to continue on active duty or active reserve. Now a mentor for other wounded soldiers at Walter Reed who are making the same decisions about their futures, Holsey often advises other wounded soldiers, "If you like the military, stay in and make it your career. You have options. No matter what obstacles or injuries we endure, the Army will support you. " He is one of more than 3,400 severely wounded, injured and ill soldiers who are served by the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). AW2 provides personalized support for these soldiers and their families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status and for as long as it takes. As nonmedical case managers, AW2 Advocates are located throughout the country to provide personalized, local support to soldiers and families. Holsey, an Army personnel specialist, has been assisted by his AW2 Advocate throughout his recovery, rehabilitation and transition into his life post-injury. He is quick to share how his AW2 Advocate helped him to adjust to his life after his amputation, and recently cheered from the sidelines as he completed his first 10-mile race, running with a special prosthetic. Reflecting on his new life, Holsey said, "There's not much I did before I was hurt that I can't do now. I'm still serving my country in the Army. I get up in the morning and do the same things, I just have to put on my prosthetic first." For more information on the Army Wounded Warrior Program, call (800) 237-1336 or visit the Web site www.AW2.army.mil. Sergeant First Class Johnathan Holsey lost his leg while serving in Iraq and continues to serve his country.

Word Count: 440 Copy/Paste HTML Article

Share this article: