BlackFive

Many of you keep asking for Sergeant Joey Bozik updates.  Rest assured, while he still could use your thoughts and prayers, he's working hard at moving forward proactively and positively with his life. 

I've been sitting on this update for a few weeks because Joey wanted to surprise his friends (his other family) on the Green Ramp - some more Airborne heroes returning home to Fort Bragg.

Here is a few excerpts from email from Gail, Joey's mother:

February 11th - Joey plans to fly home on Feb. 28th for a few days so that I can drive him to Ft. Bragg to meet his fellow soldiers returning from Iraq. He wants to surprise them so keep his secret.

March 3rd - Joey came home by plane on Feb. 28th, 2005 at the Wilmington, NC airport at 10:30 p.m. and was greeted by 150 people.  We were escorted by the local sheriff's department from the airport.  Then, the next day, he and I drove to Ft. Bragg, NC to wait for his company to return from Iraq.  The soldiers arrived at 1 a.m. and all 161 marched into the hanger at Green Ramp.  Over 300 family members, lots of media, large band, and lots of top brass were there also.  It was Joey's greatest moment to see his fellow soldiers and hug them.  Tears flowed from everyone as Joey sat in his desert uniform with his beret perched and received the greatest outpouring of love in his life.  Truly, the military is one big family and the bonds of war run deep.  It was a moment in time.  I, as his mother, was so proud to share this event.

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Joey will return to Walter Reed on Sunday, March 6th, to continue his therapy and prepare for his hand surgery on March 11th.  Please continue to pray for his ability to walk again.  Thanks for your love and support.

Love,

Gail, Joey and Jayme