Need prayers for a family friend

[Capper]

A Mendocino County soldier is recovering in a San Antonio Army hospital after being injured in an explosion in Iraq last month.

Sgt. Jeff Slotte, 21 of Redwood Valley, was on foot patrol in Nyskhisa Iraq on Nov. 13, when an improvised explosive device went off near his patrol, causing significant injuries to his right side.

He was evacuated to Germany and then to the Brook Army Medical Center where he arrived on Nov. 15, said his father, Ed Slotte.

Jeff suffered multiple injuries, including tissue damage to his right arm and leg, a broken tibia, a severed earlobe, a collapsed lung and a brain injury.
"He has several burns and lacerations to his torso," his father said.
Jeff was in a chemically induced coma when he arrived in San Antonio and was on a ventilator for several days because of the collapsed lung, Ed said.

Since arriving at Brook, Ed said his son's health has improved.

"These last two days they've taken him off the ventilators," Ed said. "He's really improved."

Ed said his son has also been conscious more often since being taken off the ventilator, but said the family will not know the full extent of Jeff's injuries for a while.
"A lot of these things, it'll take some time to know," he said.

Jeff had been serving in Iraq since April, when he was deployed from Fort Washington where he lived with his wife and two young children. This was his first tour.
He signed up with the Army on the delayed entry program during his junior year at Ukiah High School. At the time of his injury, Jeff was serving with the Fourth Striker Brigade of the Second Infantry, 223.

His father thanked everyone for their concern and prayers. Those who want to send letters or cards can address them to: Sgt. Jeff Slotte, Room 2808, Surgical ICU, 2 South, Brook Army Medical Center, 3851 Roger Brook Drive, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.

Ukiah Daily Journal - Local soldier injured in Iraq

[Jokerswild]

Thanks for the update Rich. Good to see there's improvement but it sounds like there's a long way to go.

[Quakindude]

Will continue to pray for him Rich.

[tiredoldman]

Thanks for updating us Rich. We will keep him in our prayers and pass the info on to other members of our prayer warriors team.
Didnt realize he was one of our NorCAL boys. Not that it would really make a difference . God bless you all.

[Dr. V]

Most definitely will be one more addition to my list of prayer recipients. I can only wish the very best for him and his family, and for you of course, Rich.

[Capper]

Hey guys, just wanted to give you an update on Jesse......looks like he is doing much better than expected

Boonville native Sgt. Jessie Slotte was awarded the Purple Heart Feb. 26 in ceremonies at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
Brigadier General Francis G. Mahon made the presentation to Slotte and 13 other soldiers injured during combat in Iraq. Sgt. Slotte was severely wounded in action on Nov. 13, 2007. His commendation reads: "Sergeant Slotte was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry, 4th brigade Combat Team, serving as an Infantryman in Iraq. On Nov. 13 while performing his daily duties, an improvised explosive device detonated in his immediate area resulting in his combat injuries."
Thirteen family members attended the Purple Heart ceremony, including Slotte's great-grandfather, World War II veteran Willis Tucker of Boonville.
According to his family, Slotte continues to make a remarkable recovery.
"His skin grafts have all healed. His left leg, where the doctors have been in the process of growing back four inches of bone, is healthy and free of infection. His hearing in his right ear is at about 50 percent, and his short-term memory is getting better," said his mother, Candy Slotte of Boonville. "He still suffers from numbness to the right side of his head. The doctors say this should disappear when all the nerve endings re-connect. All of the doctors and nurses involved in Jessie's daily care often comment on what a miracle he is."
Slotte continues his recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

Boonville man awarded Purple Heart

[Parker]

Wow, Jesse has sure been through a lot.
We will be praying for him!

Thanks for the update Rich.

[oldman_gamer]

Sad to hear that Rich,a few words will be spoken to the man upstairs for your friend.
It's a great thing that he has come this far so rapidly.Best wishes for him and family.

[Capper]

no no no no......Go back to the beginning of the thread. They didn't think he was going to make it, and not only has he gotten over the hump, he's made a miraculous recovery from some horrific wounds.

[oldman_gamer]

Originally Posted by Capper

no no no no......Go back to the beginning of the thread. They didn't think he was going to make it, and not only has he gotten over the hump, he's made a miraculous recovery from some horrific wounds.

I see that? Thats a great thing! Best wishes and prayers and get well soon.It's great to hear that he has come so far.