Sergeant James Wright, USMC Ret

Sergeant James Wright, USMC Ret. 10800 lake mist ln. Willis, TX 77318

June 09, 2009

My name is Sergeant James Wright, United States Marine Corps (Retired). I am a 100% service connected disabled veteran as a result of wounds received during my second tour of combat duty in Iraq. I am originally from Washington State and I am currently residing in Willis, Texas.

On 7 April 2004 while serving as Assistant Team Leader with Bravo Company 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (USMC) in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, I was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. I sustained severe life-threatening wounds that included the immediate loss of both hands and forearms and an open fracture of my left femur.

I didn’t want to leave my Marines but the nature and extent of my injuries left me no choice. Consequently, I was medically evacuated from Fallujah (in the Al Anbar province) to the United States. I spent a year in recovery at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical center. My treatment included extensive physical therapy to begin walking again and occupational therapy to be trained in the use prosthetic arms to accomplish daily living tasks. For me, it was and still is a continued battle.

When I completed most of my rehab, my medical and duty status required the military to convene a medical board to determine my future career as an active duty Marine. The process can take years. I wasn’t about to leave my Marine Corps without a fight and sought to prove that I could still be a valuable asset in spite of my injuries.

While waiting for the results of the Medical Board I went back to work for the Marine Corps as an Instructor at The Basic School, Quantico, VA. I wanted to stay in the Marine Corps to finish a career in service to my country. I remained on active duty for over a year training Marines, until finally realizing that because of my injuries I would never be able o completely participate as a Marine. In what was by far the hardest decision I have ever made in my life, I accepted having to medically retire and to pursue a career as a civilian, where I might still use the leadership traits and valuable skills I learned in the Marines. On 31 May 2006 I was retired from active duty. Unfortunately, my injuries have made a future in the service to my country as an active duty Marine impossible.

Since my retirement from active duty I have been looking for work within the government or with government contractors that can take advantage of my experiences as a disabled combat veteran. I have had the good fortune of recently joining a defense contractor that serves the Marine Corps, and other Armed services. Strategic Operations, Inc. has provided very unique, and highly regarded training services that better prepare Marines and soldiers who are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The following is a history of my 6 year career in the Marine Corps:

 On January 12 2001 I graduated boot camp. I then reported to the School of Infantry (West) at Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon graduation of SOI on 31 March 2001 I received a Meritorious Mast and was promoted to Lance Corporal.  On 31 March 2001 I reported for duty at my first command, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Bravo Company 1st Platoon, 29 Palms CA.  I served with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion as a Scout Section Leader during OIF 1.  In August of 2004 I reported to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Camp Pendleton, CA. On 26 November 2004. I graduated from the Basic Reconnaissance Course and was assigned to Bravo Co. 2nd Plt. 1st Recon.  In February 2004 I deployed to Iraq in support of OIF II as assistant team leader Bravo Co 2nd Plt. Team 1.  April 07, 2004 I was wounded by enemy fire during combat operations in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq.  April 07, 2004 to July 2005 I spent recovering at the National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda Maryland) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington D.C.  July of 2005 I reported to The Martial Arts Center of Excellence, The Basic School, Quantico VA. I served as an instructor of Marine Corps Combatives until I retired from the Marine Corps on May 29, 2006.

Summary of awards and decorations:

Bronze Star with Combat V Purple Heart Good Conduct Medal Combat Action National Defense Service Medal Presidential Unit Citation Iraq campaign Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Global War on terrorism Sea Service Deployment Meritorious Mast Certificate of Commendation.

Summary of schools:

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, School of Infantry, Infantry Squad Leaders Course, Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Green Belt Instructor Course, Pre-Basic Reconnaissance Course, Basic Reconnaissance Course.

Since retiring from active duty I have served as a spokesperson and fundraising advocate for several Veterans organizations to include, The Wounded Warrior Project, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Impact Player Partners,and Freedom Isn’t Free.

Currently I am employed part time by a company called Strategic Operations, which is based in San Diego, CA. We provide “Hyper-Realistic” training to the Marine Corps and other military branches as well as government and law enforcement agencies. This work is quite rewarding for me since it falls in line with my military expertise and allows me to maintain a close interaction with the Marine Corps.

I hope to remain in the Houston area and make this my home for life.

Very Respectfully,

Sgt. James “Eddie” Wright