Wounded Soldier Calls Coalition Donors “The True Heroes”

Even though he’s survived a pressurized bomb explosion in Iraq, 23 blood transfusions, and 46 operations, Marine Cpl. Jacob Schick still can’t believe he’s called a hero.

“In my family’s opinion, the Coalition is the true hero,” Schick says.

Cpl. Schick enlisted in the Marines in 2001. He was deployed to Iraq starting on August 22, 2003, facing terrorist insurgents in the Sunni Triangle Region.

On September 20, while serving with the 1st battalion 23rd Marines as a machine gun team leader, he was injured on a react mission.  Cpl. Schick was on the lead vehicle when it drove over a pressurized bomb.  He lost a portion of his left hand and arm, his right leg below the knee, and suffered multiple compound fractures and burned skin. 

“I thought the explosion was going to take my life, but I remember fighting to survive because I had a lot left to live for,” Schick remembers.

Medics moved Schick from the battlefield to Landstul, Germany but he was quickly transferred to Bethesda, MD where he began his medical odyssey.  He ended up at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX where he underwent numerous surgeries for his wounds including an operation where they had to place his arm in his stomach for four weeks to grow a graph.

“Of course it was all painful and terrifying for me and my family, but we made it through with the kind words and moral support of the Coalition,” Schick said.  “They stepped in and not only offered my family and me financial support; they offered us morale and the foundation to rebuild our broken spirits.”

After hearing about the Coalition from a fellow wounded soldier, Schick could not believe that the organization called him the “hero”.  “They so selflessly give their time, along with their resources to help me and my brothers and sisters in arms.  It is the very patriotism that the Coalition has that makes my heart swell with pride knowing that all of the pain and the blood shed by our troops is not forgotten.” 

The Coalition assisted the family’s move from New Orleans, LA to Frisco, TX.  They made many significant payments that made their move possible and they helped the Schick family when they were behind on other bills.  “The Coalition was very respectful to my needs, easy to work with- there was very little red tape and most importantly prompt,” Schick said.  “They are an asset to any wounded veteran.”

“The Coalition has made my world and America a better place,” said Schick.

Schick currently lives in Frisco, TX with his wife Laura.  He is looking for a job and settling into his new home.