US Celtic Soldier Gift Program sending first Celtic Cross and Chain

November 15, 2007 - Celtic Cross and Chain is in the process of being sent to Gage Skrdla $teele.

Suzie Larson, a friend from my high school class of 1980, responded to my email looking for people to send a Cross and Chain to,with the following:

Chris,
I don’t know of anyone right now that is overseas but we just had a solider return wounded. The story is below if interested, if you want or need anymore information I will be glad to help you out. Hope you are doing fine and take care.
Suzie Larson
//SIGNED//SUZETTE M. BAUMGARDNER, MSgt, KSANGBase Functional Manager

—–Original Message—–From: Help DeskSent: Friday, November 16, 2007 1:49 PMTo: AGR; TECH - Technician Listing; CIV - Civilian EmployeesSubject: FW: Bart and Traci $teele son Gage Skrdla “$teele”
For those that don’t know, Bart Steele is a TSgt in MXS

The Following is an update on the condition of Gage Skrdla “$teele” Bart and Traci’s son.
What happened?

Bomb explodes near Green Zone
14/11/2007 17:12 - (SA)
Baghdad - A roadside bomb has exploded next to a US military patrol near Baghdad’s Green Zone early on Wednesday, killing one military and wounding four.

Series of events:
Wednesday, All times are local
0617 - Traci and Bart received the phone call that identified Gage as one ofthe wounded soldiers.
0900 - Traci and Bart received a phone call from the Doctors and nursing staff in Baghdad explaining Gages injuries and the plan to get him out of Iraq. Gage lost sight in both eyes and shrapnel from the bomb is throughout his body.
1000 - The Commander of Gages unit calls from Iraq and explains in brief what happened.
1200 - Doctor and nursing staff call from Iraq and place Gage on the phone. His voice is frantic and confused and he stated, “Mom I can’s see.” In his next breathe, Gage explains his Lt was killed and breaks down in sorrow.
2200 - Gages nurse from Iraq calls and states, “Gage is a very considerate and thoughtful young man.” She also recommends a couple of different books on CD and tells us that Gage is on the way to Landstuhl, Germany.
Thursday
We would receive updates from the US Army on his condition and movements. We were able to speak with Gage and his spirits and understand of what happened were much better.
On Friday the US Army called with family invitations orders to Walter ReedArmy Hospital to visit Gage. We will be departing for Washington DC on Saturday Morning and staying until about Sunday November 25, 2007.
The Doctors will be trying to save the eye with the least amount of damage. We will keep you posted.
The fact that we will be with Gage for Thanksgiving and that the Green Bay Packers are playing football that same day should make this a very memorable turkey day.

If you, yourself, would like to donate a celtic cross and chain to a person in uniform and overseas, please go to the following page... www.MyCelticTreasures.com/for-the-soldiers Thanks!