Sunday vist with L/Cpl Shawn Seeley

[JAMarine]

Hello all and please allow me to share the visit I had today with L/Cpl Shawn Seeley and Family.

I've awaited this chance for some time. Visits to the injured are always ackward at first for me but this time was different. I've know Shawn here on this web site for more than a year now.

As I stepped into the door I was welcomed by his Father, Charles and his Mother Robin. As I scanned the room I noticed Amanda coming out of a door halfway down the hall pulling Shawn in his wheelchair into the hallway. As he was turned toward the living room and saw me I don't believe I've ever seen a bigger smile on any mans face. I can't express the feeling I had at that moment. The feeling of relief knowing he was alive and OK, the true Blessing it is to have him home with his Family and what a humbling experience for me to be in the presence of such a Young Warrior that has been done and seen so much in such a short period of time.

We talked about his present condition and the plans for the immediate future. He showed me all (or most of) his scars and told me of his injuries. He told me of how he hopes to be able to be of use to the Corps at least to finish out his 4 years.
He told me the stories of the people who have visited him in MD. and the gifts he has received. At one point Charles got up and went into the dinning room and brought back and showed me the "Iwo Jima Sand" given to Shawn by MarineMom. He told me of when his Marine Corps Colors arrived from Leatherneck and how proud he was eventhough he was in so much pain. Robin and Amanda laughed about how they had to balance to mount the Flag on the devider curtain and eventually onto the window curtain and how the sunlight coming through hallowed the room with color.

Then I asked him THE QUESTION. Exactly what happened. He started from the beginning and took me step by step through his ordeal. Everything from having a disagreement with an Army Soldier (not moving the Soldiers vehicle), to having to detour around them and having to move down adjacent streets attempting to get where they were suppose to be, to starting down a deserted dusty sideroad. Shawn told me he knew from the moment his vehicle started down that road something was going to happen. He told me instantly he hunkered down low in his turret position. Most may not know this and I am not going to tell the story (I hope Shawn with put that into his own words on this site someday) but Shawn actually lived through not only 1 IED Explosion that day,,,,, he lived through 3 separte ones. He also told me a story about Doc Randall.

All I have to say is; "What a Story". & "Where do Young Warriors like this come from"?

It was an honor for me to spend time with L/Cpl Seeley today. The visit brought a rededication of myself to help others in my daily life as well as at this site. As far as I'm concerned Shawn Seeley has secured his place in History as one of this Nations most respected and one of the greatest Warriors to have taken the Battlefield for this Great Country. He is a Hallmark of our Corps legacy.

I understand that Shawn may be released from the Hospital here in the Puget Sound by the end of the week. This will mean he will be on convalescent leave at home for a period of time. I look forward to getting together with him again and again real soon.

Thanks
rich

[SgtIntensity]

Thank you for sharing this story. I am humbled by this LCpl's sacrifice.

LCpl Seeley thank you for your dedication to duty!

[CHOPPER7199]

Thanks for the info Rich, I talked to him a few days back and he sure has moto. I hear he is going home on the 8th, so sure sounds good for all. Gee I wonder if he will get to like home cooking again? Ha the weight gain will be going up. GOD BLESS ALL.

[Roulette]

Thank You Rich,
your visit with Shawn and his family makes me Proud.

[MillRatUSMC]

I'm can only echo what's been said, Thanks Rich

[marinemom]

Outstanding, Richard!

Shawn had the will to progress and to succeed in anything he chooses to do after his time in the Corps - he is an amazing young man. I am glad to hear that he is doing so well, but not the least bit surprised.

When he comes back to Bethesda for his follow-ups, Ed, Ken and I are kidnapping him for dinner one night....maybe we can take some pics then.

[GySgtRet]

Rich,

Thank you very much for your rendering of your visit with LCpl Seeley. I had the pleasure of being with him and some of his family at Bethesda on three occations. And as you put it it was an akward first visit. But that soon was replaced by awe...!!! Like marinemom said. When LCpl Seeley gets back to Bethesda in January there will be three of us kidnapping him to take him out. (For those who want political correctness) we aren't rerally going to kidnap him.

[hrscowboy]

oooooooooooooooorahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hell yes kidnap that young man and his momma and daddy and the love of his life..

[Osotogary]

The description of your visit with LCpl. Seeley was masterful. You made this reader feel like he was there.
Thank you.

[rb1651]

As everyone else has said, Rich, thanks for the info. He is an inspiration to all of us.

Ron

[OLE SARG]

I'll just echo all the previous posts and just simply say, "Thanks Rich".

Reading these posts really started my week out great!!

SEMPER FI,

[JAMarine]

I'm sorry I didn't get these pictures in last night with the original post. I'm new at this and the frustration led me to bed. With clearer eyes and a determination I got em in here eventhough they are somewhat different sizes. And for those who don't know,,,,, L/Cpl Seeley is the Good Looking, Young one in the pictures. Don't let the lack of hair fool ya. LOL

I'm so very Proud of you Shawn. Young man, you keep fighting and you'll come out of this with a new and wonderful life. And I'll be right here anytime you need ANYTHING.

rich

[GySgtRet]

Rich and LCpl Seeley,

Glad to see you both. This is the beginning of a good squad. LCpl Seeley looks a lot better than when I last saw him at Bethesda.

[CHOPPER7199]

Great pics. Rich, glad to hear you are learning to do that pic. thing, I'm still goofing it up, must be a brain gap I have at certain things. Keep them coming. God Bless all.

[yellowwing]

Thank you Rich for an outstanding report and pictures! It motivated me to try to express the Esprit de Corps that has spanned generations of Marines everywhere.

For you L/Cpl Shawn Seeley!



Background image of Iwo Jima Memorial borrowed from HudsonPhoto.com