HOME!!!

On 9/2/2010 at 6:20 PM eastern time Shannon arrived in Maryland safe and sound. The trip from Kuwait took a total of 36 hours with two stops, one in Germany and one in Iceland. Needless to say she was exhausted but glad to be back on US soil. After 9 months in the desert she said it was very strange to look out of the plane's window as they landed in Germany to see so much green.
Thank you to everyone who followed Shannon on her journey and for all your kind comments, thoughts and prayers. We are looking forward to seeing Shannon soon when she returns home on leave.

Heading Home

Shannon has begun the journey home. We heard from her today and she has arrived safely in Kuwait. She should be back in the USA within the week. Can't wait to see you Shannon!!!

Slainte!

Here is part of the Grimes Clan on their recent trip to Ireland. In the family tradition here is a picture of their first Guinnes, they were toasting to Shannon's safe return. Slanite Shannon, Love Tara, Kim, Grandma Millie, Lily and Grandpa Tony.

ICU TEAM

Things at the Role 3 have been very busy. Shannon is back on days and they have had an increasing number of call-ins, as a result we have not been able to talk to her as much. She is in good spirits and looking forward to her birthday next week. The tempuatures in Kandahar have reached 127 degrees making it uncomfortable to do much outdoors. This is a photo one of her team mates took of the ICU team. Some of the pictured are;
Candy Anderson, David Antico, Dominick Stelly, Rhea Ramirez, Meredith Keller, Kristin Stoniecki, Cayce Moore, Amy Nowakowski, Nicholas Eighmy, Shannon, Ingrid, Garrett, Gail Murray and Melissa Mertens.

Role 3 On ABC's Nightline

ABC ran a story on Shannon's hospital on Nightline last week. Most of the footage was shot in the old trauma bay just before they moved into the new hospital. You may recognize a few faces from Shannon's photos. Click on Nightline below to link to the story.

Nightline

From plywood to brick, new Kandahar hospital offers another chance at life - Winnipeg Free Press

This is an article Ian found about the new Role 3 hospital. Lt-Col Douglas Kromrey, interviewed in this article, was one of the judges in the bullnapping trial. If you go to that post he is the judge on the right with the Canadian flag on his chest. Click on the blue link to see the article.

From plywood to brick, new Kandahar hospital offers another chance at life - Winnipeg Free Press

A Touching Moment

When talking to Shannon last week she told us about a patient she was caring for in the ICU. He was a young soldier who had been shot while out on a mission with his unit. The round entered near his clavicle traveling downward and through his upper arm severing his brachial artery. He was rushed into surgery where they were able to miraculiously save his arm and his life.

Soon after his surgery a few of his buddies came in and asked if they could see him. Knowing how important it was to these guys to see their friend she told them they coud visit for a few minutes but no more than 3 or 4 at a time. They were very thankful and 3 soldiers went in to see him, then 3 more, and 3 more. As Shannon continued with her care she began to wonder, how many of these guys are there? She went out into the hall to see if any more soldiers were waiting to come in and was shocked to see a long line of guys lined up down the hall as far as she could see. More than 60, all standing quietly waiting for their turn. Every solidier that was with him out on that mission came in, many close to tears, worried about their wounded friend.