I do not write a blog unless I am moved to do so.  I try to listen to my inner soul to tell me what to write.  Some days the blogs are motivational and some are action oriented.  It just depends on how I’m moved that morning.

When I woke this morning, I turned on my computer and as the emails downloaded, this one caught my eye.  I knew this was the blog of the day.

While we are fighting against tyranny in our local communities all the way up to the White House with our pens and voices, there are soldiers fighting for liberty across the globe carrying guns and going into harms’ way.  It takes all of us to fight the Liberty battle yet those in foreign lands are risking their very lives to do so.  They are doing it there to keep us safe here.

One such person is Jonathan, the son of Rick and Rita Story who are members of our local tea party.  Rick Story sent this email and I encourage you to write a check today for this great soldier who risked his life and limbs in the Liberty battle in Iraq.  If everyone in our tea party and their friends and family gave a $20 bill, this would offset the financial strain for this precious family and his upcoming surgery would be paid in full.

A $20 bill may be a stretch for some – especially those on a fixed income or who have lost their jobs.  A $20 bill for others doesn’t even pain you.  Whatever you can give would be very appreciated by this wonderful family.

Here is the email I received from Rick early this morning.  When you finish reading it, can I ask you to take out your checkbook and write a check for any amount that you can?  Then quickly address an envelope and put a postage stamp on it.  Mail it today or tomorrow at the latest.  Let’s show Jonathan our gratitude and pray for him and his family too.  When we think we have troubles, re-read this email below.  God Save the USA. 

Here’s the email:

I am not sure if it is possible to share this with the FCTP.

My son SGT. Jonathan Charles Story, was seriously injured in Iraq in 2004. He had brain and spinal cord injuries. In 2005, he had the first of many rounds of surgery on his back. In 2007 He was medically discharged  from the Army.

His care then fell to the Veterans Administration. They only provided drug therapy including heavy narcotics for pain which made it impossible for him to function and caused the loss of all of his teeth and jaw bone damage in a short period of time.  

We were able to get him into a special program at the Shephard Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Through the course of several additional surgeries, Jonathan went from bedridden or wheelchair bound to being able to walk with a cane. A spinal cord stimulator was implanted that keeps his pain manageable. Thanks to the wonderful care he received at the Shephard Center, he is off the heavy narcotics and beginning to live again. 

The latest hurdle in Jonathan's recovery is another series of surgeries. We now have recommendations for the surgery and treatment required for facial reconstruction, repair of the sinus cavity and dental implants. The expense is not being covered by the VA and at $60,000-$80,000 is far beyond what Jonathan can afford on his disability income. 

Please consider praying for Jonathan both for PTSD and physical healing from the injuries he received from an IED in Iraq. His progress seems so slow but he is moving forward. He is out of the wheel chair and can now walk on his own, even without a cane most days. I can't imagine life at 30 in his condition. 

We have opened a donation account for him at VyStar Credit Union to assist with the needed surgeries. If you know of other people who might be interested in praying for his recovery or helping cover the expenses, please pass this e-mail along to them.

Tell them any size donation would be appreciated. Jonathan cannot move forward until he gets the resources to provide for the needed surgery.  

Stop by any Vystar location or mail donations to: VyStar Credit Union Jonathan Story; Donation Account, P.O. Box 45085, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5085.

Thank you for your friendship and for the many prayers being lifted up for our son.  

Thanks,

Rick and Rita Story

Jacksonville, Florida