I have been a soldier for all of my adult life.I Have the utmost respect for our military and without exception we have the finest military in the world.An Army joke but,I love my Privates.The government should do everything they can for these brave troops.My only regret that our government took the finest troops in the world into Afghanistan and Iraq with no intentions of letting them win.Which is what we trained them to do.Retreating or pulling out is not part of what we teach our troops because those words imply losing.

Why politicize a good story Rusty Beaver? Calling it 'your' war, doesn't make it any less the responsibility of the Democrats. Should we ignore the fact that every Democrat in the House approved both the Afghanistan and Iraq action (with the exception of one) in the beginning? Let's also ignore the fact that both wars could have been stopped when the Obama administration had a majority in the House and Senate. Give it a rest. Obama is using the wars for political gain as much as Bush did. They are both warmongers.

Let's bring 'our' boys home now and stop policing the rest of the world.

This is a great story about perseverance, hope and the wonders of technology that can bring back a better quality of life. Brendan is an inspiration to all.

When I was in Afghanistan in December 2001, when we chased the al Quaida and Taliban out of there and we did not follow them into Pakistan as they fled and finish it, I knew then that the government was setting us up for failure and a long-term occupation. We had them on the run and we did nothing but allow them to regroup. Also, after I got back, I was ashamed of our government when I heard that there were soldiers in debt for medical bills of half a million dollars or more for the injuries that they incurred in these wars. The only thing I can figure is that the government had a cap on how much they were willing to pay soldiers for their wounds. I bet Congressmen don't have any caps on how much our tax dollars will go to pay for their medical expenses.

Im sorry to say this to all of my veterans that have sacrificed their entire lives and minds to fight for the cause, but we haven't won a war since WWII, well except for that "all powerful" county of Grenada of course, excuse me. Before I would ever condone my child's "Informed Decision" to join the Military to fight in some war that some windbag wearing a $5,000 Brioni suit says “we need” to fight, I would need to ask just four questions

What are your fighting for?

Why are you fighting?

Who are you fighting for?

And what will WE get from this war?

and if they do not know the answer to any one of them, then they have no business going overseas to get their bodies blown apart as well as their minds, just to watch other kids die and their brothers burn in the black sands of war.

Ive had most of my family involved in the past centuries wars and I always hear the same things from them, either passed down by family or I myself have heard them, and that is this;

“The measure of victory and defeat has never been in individual brothers lost or enemies defeated, but rather by what we do after, as a whole, to honor those fallen and those that have risen, either by condemning those who fought and won by ignoring their sacrifices, or by celebrating those who have fought and lost by honoring our dead, either way, the real measurement of victory or defeat is revealed when we go home, either we find that our actions have diminished the problems that faced our people or that they have accelerated the disdain of what we are.”

Since most people now a days would associate our Armed forces with the latter part of thtat sentence…and that I don’t feel so victorious in sending 18 year old kids to fight an unjustified war, I would say by my own opinion, that we have already lost…

Why are we in this “endless” war again? To fight “Terrorism”?

Well, Bin Laden is dead, we hung Husain, now what? Is the snake growing heads out of is flailing corpse? I just wish I never cheered at that damn TV in October of 2001 when we started this whole thing..I know now what I fool I was, but all I had to do at the time to realize was look over at my uncle as a tear rolled down his cheek, and now I know why. Look where we are at. We don’t know what is up, down, left, right, backwards, or inside out…we have lost our sense of direction, morality, humanity, and for what? What have we gained from this War? Can anybody really tell me? Because out of the 100+ soldiers’ that I have personally talked to, they cant tell me and they were in it…so, can you?

Exactly. People should hate war. Not the people who are forced to fight them.

The war on terrorism will never end.It has been going on for centuries.the only countries that have managed to hold off the terrorists wee the ones that had a clear goal and a means to accomplish that goal.The other factor we overlook is the WILL power factor.If you don't have will power there is no chance of winning.Our military has the means and the will power but,our politicians lacked the plan and the willpower.Now our polticians can't even win an honorable peace.

As far as Im concerned this man is a hero, I dont think I would even want to live after the loss of both arms and legs. Im so proud of these young people that go to bat for us in the USA, I just wish our government would stop sending these young heros into countries to fight when most of the people in these countries dont want us there, let them fight and kill each other, I do understand helping people that appreciate us.

If you really have to ask these questions, then you should join and live the lives of those that are defending this country of ours so that you have have the right to ask these sort of questions.

This poor guy gave up alot doing what he wanted to do, Now lets all support him and all of the others that have given up life and limb just so that stupid people can post on here how bad the armed forces are.

Food for though for everyone who reads this.

With out the men and women of all of our armed forces none of us would have what we have right now. Lets all stand by and support them, each and everyone of them.With out them where would YOU be today and what would YOUR living conditions be.

"...the real measurement of victory or defeat is revealed when we go home, either we find that our actions have diminished the problems that faced our people or that they have accelerated the disdain of what we are.” "Since most people now a days would associate our Armed forces with the latter part of thtat sentence…I would say by my own opinion, that we have already lost…"

GetMeOutAlive42 If you truly feel that most people associate our Armed Forces with the latter part of your statement then I suggest you have been hanging around the wrong people. Because the people I know and the people I associate with realize that this country has not been attacked again the way it was on 9-11. Thereby diminishing the problems that faced our people.

We also realize a strong message was sent to other terrorists by hanging Husein and killing Bin Laden. This country is safer than it was 10 1/2 years ago. Americans perservere and we have continued living our free way of life because we have brave people who VOLUNTEER for service to our country. They understand at the time they take the oath the chances that they will see combat are very likely.

We did not lose the war. The number of casualties were few. Yes there can be no minimizing the psychological and physical effects of war and there should never be. Those lives that were lost or altered should never be forgotten. We as Americans whether in the military ourselves or civilians should respect what the brave men and women of our military have done for us and our freedoms. They deserve the best medicine, therapy and any treatments they need to readjust to civilian life. We should all be thankful. But to say, ..."we have already lost" is absurd and insulting to those who gave their lives, limbs and time away from family, friends and the comforts of home....Just my opinion.

My nephew is an Army Ranger who has done many tours over in the middle east. A few years ago he sent around an email urging one and all to send get well cards to one of his buddies injured in a blast with burns over 80% of his body and in incredible pain. My mother-in-law was a nurse in a burn center years ago so I know the horror of the treatment of burns. This country has got to stop going to war and people need to get out and protest just like in the 60s. We seem to be on the ten year war plan - every ten years - a new war. Next time it happens, please people get out there and scream and yell and protest against it. We don't need our military people coming back every ten years with horrific injuries or in body bags.

i lost my arm oct of 09, i had the privlidge of knowing brendan and even going to aspen with him where he mono-ski'd circles around me as i tried to learn to snowboard lol he was an inspiration to me whether he knew it r not. showed me how every soldier, regardless of injury, should hold himself in the face of adversity. i'll be praying it works, cuz nobody deserves it more.

My respect to our military men and women is not only earned.. but deserved... As a former Army Medic.. I stand at attention and salute. Great article.. and Obama should see if more funding for projects like the one outlined can be given... My advice to the administration:

If you really want to see suicides go down... Cutting the military is fine... just done cut OUT the military personnel, make them feel "supported" and they will repay you with honorable service and a vibrant life.

God's speed Brendon

Odille you are the first poster I have read that actually used this soldiers name. It amazes me that while everyone takes the time to slam the military and the govt and send their well wishes not many after reading the story could tell you the gentleman's name. Thank the lord for the donor and their family in their donation. Ty to Odille both for being a donor as well as to educate a bit on the benefits of organ donation and also for giving Brendan Marrocco the individual recognition of his amazing willingness to keep going forward. I pray this family continues to receive love, support, and compassion they need to keep pressing forward in this journey.

May God bless him with a successful recovery. And I thank him through the tears I now have for his service to this country. God bless all those who have sacrificed for this country and it's citizens.

Gwad!, how it hurts to see this kid! May this work! Humbly, may this work. Gotta be a good young Man.

Finally!!!!!!!! a person who gets it, the story of our young man receiving his new arms,and the latest in medical procedures with regard to bone marrow transplants.

i believe everyone has their right to comment but this particular story should open a persons eyes to organ donation just as odille esmonde-morgan suggests.

I signed for organ donation,so another may live,what about you people that comment sooooooooo much about the war,like thats going to help this young man recover quickly reading negative comments,perhaps you should write in a daily journal about your frustrations over the war,politics,presidents etc.

I hope an organization will step up to fix his home in Staten Island, perhaps HGTV ould like the challenge? God Bless you,and God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!

You're an idiot. I guess you're okay with Benghazi; since it was the Democrats who deserted our Ambassador, it's okay. What a hypocritical POS

Jack, you must be a very clever man to know and understand so much.

And you, are no doubt a hypocritical liberal, as there is no other kind.

Bull shooter, my thoughts exactly!! When I read this article that was the first thing I thought of - Dubya, Rummy, Chenny and Woflie should be proud too.

And you Jack-(a$$). Where was Dubya and staff of dildo's just before 9/11? Richard Clark tried to warn them, but they ignored him. So take your hypocritical crap and stuff it.

jpintar: You are the definition of ignorance. Here's the type of warning they might have received: It would be like telling the Chicago Police Dept that someone is going to be shot next month. I guess you'd blame it on them for not stopping it. And unlike our liberal idiot in office, Bush went to Congress and ALL approved going. Obama just circumvents and starts his own little wars with Syria, Egypt, etc...and now those countries will be controlled by his Muslim Brotherhood. You have alot to be proud of.

Obama should be proud too.He tried to take over where Bush left off and failed just as miserably.(remember the surge)Obama took ona very safe and smart bet.If he won the war he would have been hailed as the the victor of a war that Bush couldn't.If he couldn't win,The blame had already been placed on Bush so therefore Obama would be hailed as the great peace maker.A no lose situation for him.You may disagree but,there is some logic here.Obama had nothing to lose and alot to gain either way the war went.

I have found, in our system of government, the prize always goes to those who can pay the most and lie the best. The rest of us have no chance but to try and hold our heads up out of the flood of lies and crap our politicians try to bury us under. Forget Democrat or Republican - they are both equally against the American people!

Our government would rather give billions to countries that hate us and give trillions to those scum bag U.S. citizens who feel entitled to get everything free.

Jack, your village called; they want you back: it's time for your meds then beddy time. BTW nice self-portrait.

@alur - If our government fully paid for our soldier's injuries they incur in war, then how could Congressmen pay for their teen-aged daughter's achene medication? Do you think our millionaire Congressmen are made of money?

Sgt. Marrocco will never be a "nobody." Sitting in the shadow of the WTC, I believe that the spirit of every man, woman and child murdered on Sept. 11 knows who Sgt. Brendan Marrocco is.

You dumbass, 911 was inside job.

Oldthinker???? more like OLDCOSPIRACYTHEORISTIDIOT....

Just can't believe two planes perfectly demolished three skyscrapers, you jackass!

I thought this vine was about Brendan and his double arm operation. Stay on topic. Big wishes for a relatively pain free and speedy recovery! Wonder which arm will get feeling in it the quickest? Thank you for you service and sacrifice. If you were here I'd buy you a steak dinner!

Of course, Jeanette, you'd have to cut the pieces for him..

Don't feel sorry for their injuries, feel grateful. What they did means someone else didn't have to. They placed everyone else before themselves. There is no higher honor one can give.

I don't know if the USO is still around, but as a teenager I went with a USO organization to visit Vietnam vets in the hospitals. I can't tell you what a shock it was to see the horrific injuries suffered. Do call veteran's organizations to see what you can for them. I applaud you for caring so much.

And thank you for your service Captain. Thanks to all who serve or have served or will serve. I am proud to be American and proud of the finest military in the World...Bar none.

I appreciate the sacrifice that you have made on my behalf and that of the nation as a whole. As U.S. citizens, it is of the utmost importance that we understand the sacrifices that our soldiers make to ensure our freedom, and to God be the Glory for the surgeons and the technology that affords these soldiers the benefits of having a better quality of living.

Harold Gates! You would do best just to say YES Sgt., NO Sgt., and THANK YOU Sgt.

to H.GAtes; You have to be one of the most disgusting people in the world.

You are of the many who make our country look bad. If he was a fool forprotecting

people like you, he still shines as a hero. You are one of those I would love to see

find a new planet to live on. This young man fought to keep all people free. Glad the est of those here

are truly good Americans and loyal people. You are pitiful.

Harold,

I won't berate you, but I do pity you for your lack of understanding, not to mention simple compassion. With a cold, barren heart, life must be a very difficult place.

Mr.Gates, I seriously doubt that you used your real name. It's folks like you
that, probably right wing Iranian by real nationality, who need the pity so often spent
upon our loyal and dedicated troops. Thank God for the military of the good old
USA, the firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and others who are
unselfish enough to give their lives so others may live and prosper in freedom.

POST IT,

You may want to thank Senator McCain for his sacrifices before disparage him so. Need I remind you of what he endured at the Hanoi Hilton? Ms. "Hanoi Jane" must be your hero.

Again, God Bless the American Solder.

David you are a total moron

Your an idiot