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Seth Wenig / AP
In this July 4, 2012 file photo, Army Sgt. Brendan Marrocco of Staten Island, N.Y., left, Marine Cpl. Todd Love of Atlanta, Ga., center, and Marine Cpl. Juan Dominguez of Deming, N.M., pose for a picture at the 9/11 Memorial in New York.
Seth Wenig / AP
In this July 4, 2012 file photo, Army Sgt. Brendan Marrocco of Staten Island, N.Y., wearing a prosthetic arm, poses for a picture at the 9/11 Memorial in New York. Marrocco, 26, the first soldier to survive losing all four limbs in the Iraq war, has received a double-arm transplant in Baltimore.
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Wouldn't it be awesome if Al Pacino visited him?
As a retired USAR 1SG, these kids have been and still are my hero's. They gave a lot and still do. Now it's our turn to give to them and the sugical team in Baltimore has set the bar and ther standard.
SPC Marrocco, I got your six !!
Where do I begin? This young man, Brendan, lost his limbs in Iraq for what? While his blood soaked the dirt at the side of the road in that hell-hole, George Bush was havin' a swell ol' time in Texas. This happened to Brendan in 2009. While most people posting here are bickering back and forth about trivialities and letting their tiny egos run stupid, this young man is still in physical pain and going through God knows what everyday. FOCUS ON THE ARTICLE. Can you even attempt to imagine not having your arms and legs??? Can you imagine what he thinks about all day? Can you imagine the pain he experiences every day?
These people in those countries have been killing each other for a thousand years. Does anyone really think that we can stop them? Please stop the madness and get them home. At the same time remember this on the next election to vote out all and I mean ALL incumbents. It is time to clean out the scum from D.C.
From one Marine Sgt (during the 60's) to Sgt Marrocco GOD BLESS you and may you have complete use of your new arms and hands. Thank you Sir.
And yes Jeanette 767450 it would be awesome.
we owe him every chance at a life since he put his on the line for us. Surgery like this can benefit so many people if successful. This kid deserves our help,whatever the cost. We waste millions on foreign nations without a care,let's help our own for a change.
Just listen to this statement, and then tell me you want to serve in the military:
"Before the operation, he had been living with his older brother in a handicapped-accessible home on New York's Staten Island built with the help of several charities."
No disabled veteran, who served his country and got blown up for doing it, should ever have to depend upon a charity for anything. The United States government should put this man up for life in the Waldorf Astoria.
Everybody should write their congressman and senators, as well as the president, and tell them all about the case of Brendan Marrocco, and be sure to tell them that this man is dependent upon a charity for his living expenses. They should award him $500,000 immediately - him and every other veteran who has lost even 1 limb in any war. And don't worry about adding to the deficit!!!!!
God bless this soldier and his courage to undertake such a new endeavor to give him some semblance of a normal life. It is the least we can do for him and others like him. Thank you for your service.
Here's a sample letter I wrote on behalf of Brendan Marrocco and sent to my 2 senators - Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, as well as my congressman, Danny Davis. I would suggest everybody send a similar type letter to their congressman and senators on behalf of Brendan Marrocco and all the other men and women who have sacrificed for our country:
"I was reading an article today about an Iraq war veteran, named Brendan Marrocco, who lost 4 limbs in the war, and he's about to have a double arm transplant to replace 2 of his lost limbs. I couldn't imagine surviving what he did or what he has to go through now. He was living on Staten Island with his brother, in a handicapped accessible home, subsidized by charity. No disabled veteran of foreign wars should ever depend upon a charity for anything. That's the obligation of the United States government. At the very least, our government should give each of these brave men and women a $500,000 grant, in addition to anything else they get. I would like to see this young man's name mentioned on the floor of the House and Senate, as well as by the president, and even if these wounded warriors can't get the $500,000 grant that I believe they deserve, at least they should be mentioned and honored by their country."
If is very disappointing reading the comments section of this story. Whatever your opinions about the government, about the wars, about politics in general, please recognize that this story is not about that. Brendan signed up to fight for his country, not to be a political pawn. How do you think it makes him feel reading these kinds of comments? You think the Marrocco family isn't reading this story? I know if there was a story about me or my family on a national web site, I'd read it.
I'm very happy for this young man, and for the new possibilities that this transplant technology have brought to his life. Congratulations, Brendan! My hope is that your surgical results exceed all expectations.
Brendan's medical was done by a charity of doctors/surgeons that was set up by the government and paid for by the government. No matter the source of the funding, I am glad that someone is able to help and I hope the future is bright for him and that one day if he became a father he will be able to use his arms to hold his own child.
knman, I agree, Brendan is told there is an article about him on NBC and he comes here to read it. And witnesses all this political posturing. Sad.
Brendan, if you are reading this, may God watch over you and thank you for your service to our country!