The Ron Hinkle Family Story

Ron was deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom IV in Dec 2005. Served as a tank driver and gunner. On 4/15/06, while on patrol, an IED, consisting of two 130 millimeter artillery rounds detonated next to SPC Hinkle’s vehicle seriously injuring him and two other soldiers. 
His injuries included a perforation to the left ear drum caused hearing loss, shrapnel wound, pulmonary contusion, and internal injuries to his left shoulder resulting in long term hospitalization. SPC Hinkle’s injuries were not considered life threatening at that time.
SPC Hinkle was sent home to Byers, CO on emergency family leave after the incident where he came down with a serious staph infection (MRSA causes organ failure and sepsis with a death rate of over 50%) initiating at the site of the shrapnel wound, multiple emboli in both lungs, and in his right inner bicep, (due to the injuries of the right shoulder from the explosion), pneumonia, cardiac and pulmonary failure causing loss of the use of his left lung and hospitalizing him for 49 days of which 16 days were in a drug induced coma.  During this time his commanding officer and family were told by the doctors, that his chances for survival were minimal and he was administered his Last Rights by the hospital Chaplin. However, he came out of the coma on May 31, 2006 where he remained in the intensive care unit until June 17th where he began bedside rehab. He was discharged on June 26th with the understanding he was to continue with outpatient rehabilitation at Evans Hospital in Colorado Spgs.  Ron and his wife are renting a room from his SGT to accommodate his Mon-Fri therapy schedule which continues today.  He has been placed on the list for a lung/organ transplant at the University of Colorado Hospital.
SPC Ron Hinkle has received numerous medals including the Purple Heart which was presented to him on November 03, 2006 by Vice President Richard Cheney.

THE REST OF THE FAMILY STORY

Reece (wife age 37) is a juvenile diabetic facing multiple complications from the diabetes.  She had aheart attack in April.  She is also on a pancreas and kidney transplant list. She has spent everyday with Ron since his admission to the hospital in May despite going through several medical problems herself which has required recent surgery.

Rebecka (daughter will be 14 on March 05) In Fed 2006, she was diagnosed withcancer (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and underwent painful chemo therapy.  The good news-sheis currently in remission.  She still fights the day to day battle with Celiac disease.
An honor roll student and very active in 4-H and FFA.  I asked her to write me a letter telling me about herself and her family.
I have attached for you to read.  I think her perspective explains who this family really is and how they have adjusted to the trauma they have been through.  Quite a young lady!!

Cally (daughter will be 13 on Feb 18) has allergies and acute hearingproblems.  Her Mom says she is the true angel and the center of the family.  She is also very active in 4-H and raises hogs to show and food for the family.  She is an A & B student.  Her dream is to meet Tyra Banks and go to design school and modeling classes.

Lois (Reece’s Mom age 79) lives with the family to care for the girls while Reece is in Colo Springs every week with Ron and therapy.  Reece states “without her giving up everything to help the family they would have never made it through the last 8 months.”
Remarkably, she is a two time survivor of Hairy Cells Leukemia.

2006 Summary

Ron is in Iraq, his daughter Becka is diagnosed with cancer in Feburary, Ron comes home on mid-leave in early April, two days after leaving to go back to Iraq his grandfather unexpectedly dies, his wife has a heart attack, and Ron is injured on April 15th, returns to the US on emergency leave to be with his family, and then becomes seriously ill and hospitalized on May 14th.  Amazingly through all the trials and tribulations this family has maintained their faith, remained strong for each other, and God willing will experience a wonderful 2007.
This family went from being financially secure to being unable to meet all of their monthly expenses.  As is in the case of most Military families, where there is an injury/illness the spouse has to quit work to take care of their loved one.  That happened in this case but with additional hardships.

Lets rally together to help this Hero in need!  Make a donation to www.AmericanWarHeroes.Org for Specialist Ron Hinkle .