Semper Fi Lt. Col. Ty Edwards - Family, Friends and the Marines

From Chateau Amoire on Tybee Island --- Ty Edwards was in his early teens when I first met him back in the 1980s when I married into the family. However, I will always recall his fascination and interest in the military. He and I had a rather involved conversation about the Army, Special Forces and the Marines.

I suspect that Ty was a Marine in his heart long before he took the oath. Because no amount of talking would probably have convinced him that SF was equal to or better than the Marines.

It came as no surprise to me that Ty today is a Lt. Col. in the Marine Corps and that he, his wife, kids and family have had such exemplary support during his rehabilitation at the VA hospital in Tampa from his Marine Family.

There are reasons that the motto for the Marines is Semper Fi. If you want to read about Ty's remarkable progress and come back from the injury he sustained in Afghanistan, how all his family and the Marines have rallied around him and helped I recommend this article from the Tampa Veteran's Affair newsletter:

http://www.tampa.va.gov/publications/Directors-e-NEWS-2009-07.pdf

Ben Stein's Last Column - The Real Heroes

Ben Stein's final column --

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- I have always liked this fellow Ben Stein. For some reason he just strikes me as the kind of guy you would like to sit and have a drink and some good conversation with maybe over a hunk of grilled steak. So, when my friend Dave Sturges sent me Mr. Stein's "Last Column" and I read it I was compelled to share it with all my readers as well.

I concur Mr. Stein that the real heroes, especially in today's society and world, are not the Hollywood or Eastern Seaboard elite. In fact one of my real heroes is Lt. Col. Ty Edwards, a fine Marine, who like many is now recovering from wounds he suffered while on duty to protect the world in the "War on Terror." Oops, I forgot, that's no longer the politically correct term but alas before I regress into some inane commentary on my part let me share with you Ben Stein's last column ... Dr. D.

For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called 'Monday Night At Morton's.' (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.

How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?

As I begin to write this, I 'slug' it, as we writers say, which means I put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is 'eonline FINAL,' and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end.

It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world's change have overtaken it.. On a small scale, Morton's, while better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again.

Beyond that, a bigger change has happened..? I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.

How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a 'star' we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails..

They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world.

A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him..

A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.

The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.

We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.

I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.

There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament...the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children; the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards.

Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero.

I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them.

But, I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms.

This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraq or the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human

Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will. - Ben Stein

Update on Lt. Col. Ty Edwards

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Kay wrote up this summary to post all our friends and family following our visit to see Ty yesterday at the VA Hospital in Tampa. ---Darryl

Hi all,

After our Space Day event this week, Darryl and I and our friend/colleague Penelope were able to spend about an hour with Ty and Tommy was there with him at the VA hospital. It was a wonderful time, and great to see the significant progress he has made, and continues to make. This time he clearly recognized me, and said he remembered my visit in Bethesda (when I didn't think he knew me), but said he just couldn't communicate then. I know it had looked like he was working hard, and I thought it was to try to piece together who I was -- evidently it was to communicate.

He also said he didn't recognize Darryl, but thought the last time he had seen him was at W.L.'s funeral (which is exactly correct), and asked if he had been Special Forces (which they had talked about at that time). Amazing, eh?

And he seemed glad to meet Penelope (as I said when I introduced them - I knew he would enjoy meeting a pretty lady - and we all got good smiles from that).

His communication skills are remarkable. He still hesitates over picking out words, and spitting out a name like Penelope required work for him, but he knew what he was trying to say, and got it out with a little time.

When we arrived, he was sitting at his computer, in his wheel chair. He had received an answer to his first email, sent to Hakimi (his Afghani interpreter and friend, and who also saved his life). So he seemed to be glad to be back in action on the computer. His left hand has good control, it seems, and that's how he motivates his chair.

His left leg has begun to work better and better. He can lift it (he has good and improving core body strength). He has better days and less good days working on the walking machine. I guess his hip on the left side has increasing flexibility. His right side is still not cooperating, leg or arm. However, he begins water therapy this week, and that is hopefully going to allow all the parts to get more fluid (no pun intended), and start getting some control in a more easily facilitated way. So they seemed very eager to get that therapy underway.

I didn't realize it until afterward, but saw that there was no longer a catheter, so that tells me he has control there too, I assume. Another miracle!

Tommy was staying there with them, and Debbie was in B'town making sure that Inez and M.C. were getting fed.

Tommy said they eat if it's put in front of them. I spoke with Anna and they have had company 3 times this week, and Mason was getting his soccer photo done on Saturday, so they have been staying busy.

Ty was showing us pictures of various folks he's met, and his recall amazes me. He did remember all the folks that came by in Bethesda, celebrities and friends/family alike. He was aware the President Bush asked to hug his pretty wife (smile).

I mentioned his new friendship with our other cousin John/Jake Miller, and he smiled and said what a great person he is, and how he enjoyed his regular weekend visits in Bethesda. I mentioned Jane's visit too, and he struggled to remember that. Tommy said it was while he was still in intensive care, and that's the reason he didn't recall her. He seemed disappointed not to be able to recall that, but looked forward to meeting her and their great family addition - Suzanna.

He recalled all the Miller side of his family, asking where everyone was and what they were doing, and saying please say hello to everyone. I told him when they got ready for a road trip, to please come to Kentucky, and I knew Mason would enjoy fishing at the lake, and playing in the woods. I hope that can happen one day soon!

He spoke of his wonderful Anna, and said she was making the ultimate sacrifice .... taking him to an Auburn Alumni gathering there in Tampa! Ha.

Ty also wanted to show us his 'skull'. He has a plastic model of his head -- what bones are there now, and where the bullet entered. It's astonishing he's alive! And to have made such progress is a pure gift from God. That will make some 'show-and-tell' for the kids to bring to school!

Ty's spirits seemed great, and he was eager to do all the hard work it takes to get better, and better, and better. It was a blessing to we three to be able to experience his joy of life and gifts from God.

I asked if there was anything in the world he wanted or needed, and he said no. They all seem to be doing well.

Love to you all,

Kay

THANKS To everyone For All The Prayers - An Update on Ty Edwards

Ty Edwards and his kids prior to his injury

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --

Without much detail but to bring you up-to-speed, Lt. Col. Ty Edwards was with a group that was attacked while he was serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. Being the brave leader he is, Ty was the first on the ground commanding his soldiers when an enemy bullet managed to hit his head (despite the fact he was wearing a helmet). Ty was in a very remote, mountainous area, but they were able to get him to a hospital quickly. We understand that Ty was cared for by some of the best neurosurgeons in the world which is answered prayer. He was transported to Germany, then to Bethesda, MD.

This is the latest on his condition from family that has visited:

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 10:42 AM, EDT

I visited with the Edwards family the weekend before Easter and all are doing well. Dennis & I went down so we could keep Mason & Alaina while Ty & Anna went on a date. The date was actually a Chamber dinner honoring the military. Ty was dressed in his uniform - sporting all of his medals, while Anna looked beautiful in her "little black dress". Anna said Ty was definitely the man of the hour and really enjoyed it. He is able to come home most weekends now for the day with the aid of a special wheel chair accessible taxi. He made the comment to me that he just loves his new house. Mason & Alaina are really enjoying it, too, especially the pool. I was most impressed by Ty's optimism and positive outlook. He is so very remarkable. He's wheeling that chair around very well now and is very hopeful about his therapy - as we all are. We all appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Love, Virginia

Now, with this being tax day nationwide and with so much of our taxes going to social welfare and bailout programs as we go about "redistributing the wealth" I would like for you all reading this to realize that the President and his administration on March 15th proposed that returning veterans pay for their own rehabilitation! I am proud to say that the American Legion took a strong stand against such a ridiculous concept and you can read all about it here:

American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

Something for everyone to think about this tax day! Cherrio and twat, twat ole chaps!

Dr. Darryl

Latest on Ty's Progress - Your Prayers Continue to Help

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2008 09:15 PM, CST
Part 2: From the Guestbook. Please read an earlier post from Tiffany that precedes this post. Thanks!Just wanted to let everyone know they did the epidural today and everything went well and we could see a visible difference in the swelling on his head as it has gone down. He is still scheduled for the surgery tomorrow so continue to pray that everything goes well with that. He had another good today as far as the responses go....he did some more winks; gave us some more thumbs ups; squeezed his left hand some more; he gave Anna some more kisses and smiled some today. Thank you God and thank you everyone for the continued prayers.Tiff

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2008 12:27 PM, CST
From the Guestbook.We got news this morning from the neurosurgeon that they are going to do some surgery to relieve some of the fluid on Ty's brain. He said it isn't a very risky surgery but as with any surgery there are some risks and there isn't a good plan B so the surgery is the best option. They are also going to give him a type of epidural to relieve some of the fluid build up. The doctor also explained the results of the brain scan....I don't think we totally understood what he was saying and explaining but we are still hopeful as most of the damage appears to deal with the left hemisphere. Let's continue to pray for Ty that his surgery tomorrow will be a success and that he has no infections or set backs and we can get him out of the ICU and on to rehab soon. Thanks for all of the continued prayer and support. We love you all. We continue to pray for all of the other military people and their families as Ty is not the only one suffering right now. We know God continues to be the ultimate physician and we pray that he will continue to heal Ty along with the others injured or in need of prayer and God knows their needs.Tiff

Latest on Ty Edwards

Latest on Ty Edwards from his wife Anna


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008 06:50 PM, CDT

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Today, Ty began to follow us a bit with his eyes. It was wonderful to see! He appears to be focusing on us more. He is breathing entirely on his own. His lungs sound great and he's taking deep, full breaths. Tomorrow, he will have another EEG to assess brain activity. Please pray that we'll hear good results.


Also, I'd like to ask that you keep Mom, Dennis and the kids in your prayers as they will be traveling from Okinawa during the next couple of days. The support we've received from you all is beyond description. Today's service in the hospital chapel was titled "Humility"... such an appropriate message for us, as we continue to be humbled by the overwhelming love, prayers, and support we've received from family, friends, coworkers, the hospital staff, the US Marine Corps, fellow service members, and complete strangers! Thank you all.

Much love,

Anna

Latest Update on Ty Edwards

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008 05:38 PM, CDT

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Finally word from Anna!!!

She emails: Today has been a busy and encouraging day. We walked into Ty's room this morning to see his eyes open and news from the nurse that he was really responding well. Yesterday was a day full of exams and more took place today. The injury seemed to be a graze to the top of the head rather than an injury with an entry and exit wound. But there was significant energy and force transmitted to the brain--enough to place him in the coma. He has undergone 2 operations. The first operation was to debride the wound and the second was to relieve pressure in the brain by removing parts of his skull. There will be a third to reconstruct these areas. He has been on a ventilator but is making a strong effort to breathe on his own. Now, he's only requiring minimal support from the ventilator. He has been opening his eyes spontaneously and appears aware of us and what we are saying to him. Initially, Ty was having a lot of problems maintaining a normal blood pressure. Since he's been here in Bethesda, it's been very stable. He has been having a lowgrade fever--we're not sure of the source and so far it does not seem to be infectious. It is being monitored closely and he is on strong antibiotics. The doctors have conducted several studies to look at his brain and the blood vessels. So far, the results are all encouraging. Tomorrow, he will have a tracheostomy and a feeding tube placed in his stomach. Hopefully this well help him be more comfortable and eventually he will be weaned off the ventilator. We are all very optimistic and have found the messages here to be a lifeline for us! Thank you, thank you for your support. We read your messages on the waiting room computer and then we go tell Ty all about them. We know that he's drawing so much strength and comfort from your love and prayers and so are we--more than we can ever express. We'll keep the updates coming as we find out new information

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Specific Prayer Request for Ty Edwards

We have asked all our friends, colleagues and members in the Unity Church around the world via their International Prayer Line to join with us in prayer for Ty and Anna Edwards. As you recall Ty, Kay's cousin, was seriously inujred with a wound to the head while serviung in Afghanistan last week.

This means prayers from around the globe will be offered up for Ty's healing for the next 30-days, 24/7.

All my friends and colleagues in security and intel agencies also have been re-notified and are sending their prayers and best wishes during this time.

See details below.

Dr. L. Darryl Armstrong


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008 02:09 PM, CDT


From Ty's family:

I have a specific prayer request for Ty. He is currently running a fever and they have him packed down with ice. A fever is never good especially in brain injuries. Please pray for his fever to stop and for his body to continue to heal. Virginia left a message that Ty has had several procedures; therefore no significant responses from him (his body being tired from the procedures).


Mason and Alaina are doing well. Still in Japan with their grandmother (Virginia). They will leave for the states next week.


Anna, Tommy and Debbie are reading the guestbook entries. The words of encouragement, stories and prayers are helping them tremendously. Keep the emails coming!

A Ty and Anna Update

Your continued prayers are appreciated. Here is an update for everyone compliments of friends of Ty and Anna ...


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 12:51 PM, CDT

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Many have asked for Anna's address. She is currently booked at the Navy Lodge, but will relocate once the Fisher House has room. I will post her more permanent address soon. We haven't recieved any medical news and still waiting to hear from Anna direct, but i did get an email from Marijke Landon, a longtime friend of Anna and Ty's. She wrote the following:
Kristen Hicks, my husband, and I visited yesterday. I have to say I am in awe of both Ty's and Anna's strength. Ty was responding to Anna's voice and, in turn, Anna was there encouraging him. He has opened his eyes to her voice and was moving his arms and legs. He seems to be coughing on the breathing tube which Anna's sister-in-law (Katie) said it meant he was trying to breath on his own. All good signs! Anna despite being so tired had a smile for us (through tears on both our parts) and explained that Ty would not be happy to discover he didn't even get a sexy female nurse, but a male! Anna reassured him that he (the nurse) was still a 10! Oh so Anna!
I am amazed and humbled by how much has aligned in these last few days. From friends and family in far off places to people being here to support Anna and Ty. No human could have done a job or coordinating this so well. Please continue to pray and know that God is here with Ty, Anna and family.