A Marine In Need

Teaparty at Les Enfants Terrible brings our attention to the story of a wounded Marine from Minnesota who could use our support:

Corp. Johnathan L. Benson, 21, a North Branch son, was severely injured in Iraq on June 17 and admitted to Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on June 21.

His parents, Marjorie and Steve were in the office at the Texas medical center last week, along with Staff Sgt. Marty Martinez for an interview with the Post Review.

It's a very difficult time for this young man and his family, and they are very much in need of support from folks back home.

Yet, while there is the hint of anguish in their voices, Benson's parents are full of pride in their son and hope for a brighter future for him.

Benson is a 2003 graduate of North Branch High School. During his years at NBHS, he played football, soccer and track and enjoyed working with the school plays. He joined the Marines right out of high school. His destiny was to be sent to Iraq, where he sustained injuries twice.

He was in his second tour of duty in Iraq in June when he was injured by a blast from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)--more commonly known as a roadside bomb--that struck the vehicle in which he was riding near Habbaniyah, Iraq.

His family said a Navy corpsman riding behind them helped save his life, along with others.

In his first tour, Benson received a Purple Heart for injuries with shrapnel. He received his second Purple Heart for his injuries at Habbaniyah. He lost his left leg and part of an arm and has numerous internal injuries. "He's in serious condition," said his mother from Texas," but he still has his sense of humor."

He sounds like a gutty guy. And he certainly deserves encouragement in his recovery.

But, Corp. Benson has a long road ahead of him and his mother's heart's desire is that people back home will show concern and support by writing to him during this long, long process of recovery.

If you would like to send Johnathan a card of
encouragement, write to:

Corp. Jonathan Benson
c/o Marine Liaison
Brooke Army Medical Center
3851 Roger Brooke Drive
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200

Drop a card in the mail today.