Injured soldier receives gift

He seems fine now, but that’s a far cry from the days after the explosion.

On March 29, he was loading an ammunition truck in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when an explosion left him with severe head injuries and hurt his right leg, arm and hand. His vision and hearing also were affected.

Five other soldiers were injured and one was killed in the blast.

In the days after the explosion, he was barely responsive. But he began to bounce back.

Shoemaker, who is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., has been in town the last few days. On Saturday, he accepted a computer desk and chair from the men’s auxiliary at VFW Post 540.

David Ludens of the auxiliary shook Shoemaker’s hand.

“I hope everything works for you,” Ludens said. “We appreciate everything you’ve done for the country.”

Shoemaker’s father, Michael Shoemaker Sr., thanked the VFW “for everything you’ve done.” The soldier’s mother, Sandra Shoemaker, teared up. She asked to take a photo of VFW members with her son, telling them she planned to post it on Facebook.

After the brief ceremony, Shoemaker, 25, who was wearing fatigues, said he was in the process of leaving the military for medical reasons related to his injuries.

He said he would like to transfer to the warrior transition battalion in Moline, but the paperwork is taking awhile.

He is recovering, so he is not working, he said. He said he has to report to the Army “to show them I’m still alive.”

It’s hard to tell that Shoemaker suffered major injuries less than a year ago. Asked how he felt Saturday, he said he was “good overall.”

While he said he wasn’t sure why everyone was so worried last year, his mother said it was entirely justified.

“It was pretty bad,” she said. “He is very lucky to be alive. We are very blessed.”

Benefit planned

A parade for Army Spc. Michael Shoemaker Jr., who was injured in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when ammunition exploded, is planned for 10 a.m. July 13. It will go through Dixon and end at VFW Post 540, 1560 Franklin Grove Road.