GySgt William “Spanky” Gibson

Posted by Beth on April 11th, 2008 filed in General, Iraq, Support the Troops, The War, Video

I’m sick of ugly libtard elitists. Let’s talk about a real American hero instead.

Spanky was deployed to Iraq in January 2006 as a Joint Terminal Aircraft Controller. From a forward position, he coordinated, integrated and directed the actions of combat aircraft engaged in Close Air Support (CAS) and other offensive air operations. On 16 May 2006, Spanky was injured while conducting a foot patrol in Ramadi. He was attached to the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, 1st BN, when he was shot by a sniper in the left knee cap. His wounds resulted in the loss of his left leg, just above the knee.

Now this is a hell of a story.

More here:

Gunny Gibson lost his entire leg after an Iraqi sniper fired a round through his knee in Ramadi in 2006 - May 16, 2006 - just 19 months ago. He is the first full leg amputee to be returned to the fight - redeployed as an active marine. This Gunny had been in the marines for 18 years - that is who he is. He said all he wanted to do was get back into the fight. He said returning to Iraq was his first step back to feeling like he was a marine again. He runs half marathons with his prosthetic and it was when he swam in a race from Alcatraz and ended up at the feet of General Mattis out in California. As he emerged from the water General Mattis asked him what he could do for him - he said, “Sir, send me back to Iraq.” It was the only way he said that he would feel whole again. His wife and 4 year old daughter are in Oklahoma. This marine is now supporting his unit from the back - coordinating fire in the Combat Operations Center in Camp Fallujah.

In that piece, they say you can email the Gunny:

I asked him if he would engage some of our viewers with e-mails - take questions and he said yes - so if anyone wants to write to him and give him a bit of support and ask him what it is like to be back - here is his e-mail: gibsonwespanky a+ yahoo d0+ com or if that doesn’t work try gibsonwlspanky a+ yahoo d0+ com.

Another Gunny over at Townhall wrote about him in February, and Gibson responded in the comments:

February 21st, 2008 at 5:16 am:
To everyone, I will like to say “Thank You” to all of you who have given opinion or gratitude for what we all do, in service to our country. I usually stay pretty low-key when it comes to a camera or a reporter. It always seems to find me but, as an above the knee amputee, I think it is important to not only show my fellow Marines but all citizens that our abilities still exist. We new fighters strive to prove to all that fought before us that we do not wish to tarnish their hard work. Our service in Iraq or Afghanistan is to assist them in some of the same ways we needed assistance 232 years ago. War sucks, getting injured or dying sucks, but all of us serving raised our right hand and swore to do what is a responsibility. I take not one day back in my service. I would much rather be the Marine injured than one of my young Marines who have a long life to live. Thank you all again. I will gladly answer all of your emails as soon as I get the free time to do so. This was a quicker method to reach the masses. If you want to know the true heroes, its the family members that put up with us doing this job. Or holding our hand while we learn to walk again. To let go of that hand, as hard as it might be, to let us return to the same place that changed our life. My wife Chaney is the hero, I just support.
Semper Fi, GySgt Spanky Gibson

Damn. Thank you, Gunny and Chaney Gibson. Y’all are amazing. OORAH!

(How is it that I just now found this story by surfing around LiveLeak?)