BlackFive

Reader Carrie alerts us that a great Marine and quality person is still fighting the injuries he sustained back in early February. Matt's original story about DJ.

Marine Corporal David Emery Jr. of the Battalion Landing Team of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit was serving in Iraq.  David, aka "DJ", graduated high school in 2003.  He is married to the beautiful lass in the above photo, Leslie, and she is pregnant.  DJ's unit was extended past their rotation date of January 1st and he was hoping to make it home in time for his child's birth.

On February 7th, 2007, DJ was at a checkpoint near a crowded place when a terrorist walked up to the Marines.  DJ's Battalion Sergeant Major, Joseph Ellis (a recon Marine of 23 years), suspected that a bomber was approaching and put himself between the bomber and his Marines.

The bomber quickly detonated himself, instantly killing Sergeant Major Ellis.  The Sergeant Major's sacrifice absorbed enough of the blast to barely keep DJ from being killed.  DJ was hit hard in his abdomen - an artery was cut causing kidney failure - both legs and one arm were shattered, and, in fact, his wounds were so severe that doctors didn't think that he'd make it.

He's had multiple surgeries since then and could truly use some help. I know many of you have already had him in your prayers, all I can say is pray a little bit harder. There is contact info for the family in Matt's piece.