Congratulations to State Rep. Carlo Basile, Andrew Biggio and all the Wounded Vet Run organizers for another job well done.
As in years past the Wounded Vet Run Sunday, April 27 that brought 3,000 motorcycles through the area to raise money to for Cpl. Andy Kingsley, Cpl. Kevin Dubois and MSGT. Joseph Deslauriers was emotional and impressive.
Army Cpl. Andy Kingsley of Athol was wounded in Afghanistan in 2010. Cpl. Kingsley was a member of the 82 Airborne Div when he was severely wounded during combat operations in Afghanistan. Kingsley FOB was bombarded by enemy mortar fire when shrapnel ripped through his body. Due to his injuries, doctors amputated his right leg above the knee, some fingers, and toes. He struggles to wear a prosthetic leg because of how high his amputation is and often can be confined to a wheel chair.
Marine Sniper Cpl. Kevin Dubois of Lincoln, Rhode Island was wounded in Afghanistan in 2011. Cpl. Dubois was severely wounded in Afghanistan during combat operations in July of 2011. Dubois, like many other infantrymen fell victim to an I.E.D. and his injury is one of the worst in the country. Doctors were forced to amputate both of his legs, hips, and much of his waist. Dubois too cannot wear prosthetic legs comfortably and is mostly wheel chair bound. His spirits are high and he has baby on the way.
Air Force MSGT. Joseph Deslauriers of Bellingham was wounded in Afghanistan in 2011. MSGT. Deslauries had one of the most dangerous jobs in Afghanistan during 2011. As an E.O.D. tech , it was Deslauriers’s job to disarm any roadside bombs that friendly forces came in contact with. On a routine mission Deslauriers stepped on a secondary I.E.D. and it resulted in devastating injuries. Deslauriers became one of few triple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Doctors had to amputate both of his legs and his left arm. He too is in high spirits and is now medically retired from the Air Force.
These three men are true American heroes and the support they received was deserving and touching.
