(July 17, 2008)

A broken body, but not a broken spirit.

That's how family and friends are describing injured Marine Justin Rokohl.

The Rokohl Family Pastor released this statement today: 

            Justin was seriously injured on June 20, 2008 while serving his country in Afghanistan. From there Justin was transported to Germany, then to Maryland. On Saturday July 12, 2008 Justin was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Justin’s dad John flew with him on the military transport. Other family members met them in San Antonio on Saturday. Justin is expected to remain in BAMC for the remainder of his recovery and physical rehabilitation. Justin’s recovery and attitude have been remarkable to everyone who has been around him since his injury.

             The Rokohl family asked me to put together a response and update for the media to share with South Texas and the surrounding area. They want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. The support has been amazing from people all over.

            Justin received the following injuries from the explosion. Broken back, broken hip, broken tib fibs, 2 broken femurs, and damage that could not be repaired to both legs below the knees. Due to the damage to lower legs his left leg has been amputated at the knee, his right leg was amputated below the knee. Justin will have use of his right knee.

The doctors in Maryland performed a very long and difficult surgery on his right hip to rebuild it, the surgery was successful. After personally visiting Justin at BAMC on Monday, I must say “he is very positive and is quoted as saying he has no regrets”.

To see and hear him carry on conversation with friends and family is inspiring. Monday while we were visiting some friends were leaving to go home and made the comment “we are gonna run” Justin jokingly said “go ahead cause I can’t” the other party feeling odd said “You know what I mean we are gonna drive home” Justin responds “yea I know you’ll push the gas pedal with one foot and the brake with the other foot That’s ok I can’t do either I don’t have any feet”. If you do go visit him be careful or he will get you also.

Justin is grateful to be alive and looks forward to walking, running, riding horses, roping, and anything else he wants to do.

            Now this is what Justin requested that I include in this update. There are three men that according to him are Heroes. Lance Corporal David Ybayben (Bob) from Odessa, Texas, Sergeant Jeff Rhodes from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Doc Vallejo from Brownsville, Texas. These three men are responsible for rescuing Justin and two other Marines from the burning remains of their Humv after an IED exploded destroying the vehicle. These three men protected and cared for Justin and his buddies until a medivac chopper could move in to transport them to safety. When Justin was being loaded onto the chopper he looked up and this soldier standing over him said I know you Justin said “ya I’m Lance Corporal Justin Rokohl the soldier said “you are Justin Rokohl from Orange Grove, Texas I’m Ronnie Heflen we went to Sunday School together at River Hills Baptist Church in Calallen, Texas when we were kids. Just relax we are gonna take care of you.” Justin wants people to understand that the same day he got hurt, that some of his buddies were not as fortunate Doc Burnette did not make it out of the wreckage, two others did but they received far worse injuries than Justin. Anthony Villareal, and Joe Pirum both were very severely burned and are also in BAMC.

            Please remember this one thing Justin asked for me to tell you “his heroes are still over their fighting for our freedom”. Please pray for them and tell them thanks when they come home.

        There is a web page where people can send letters of encouragement to Justin and read other letters and view pictures feel free to pass on this information. (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/justinrokohl)

                                                            Pastor David Cole        

                                                            Cross Trails Cowboy Church