Posted: 7/19/06
Hometown hero needs your support
 2003 NBHS graduate Johnathan Benson was severely injured in Iraq on June 17. |
By MaryHelen Swanson
In the 2002-2003 NBHS Redite, along the border at the end of the senior class pictures, it says ìremember when everyone used to play High Point, Truth or Dare, and Purple Hearts ...î
Purple Hearts isnít a game any more.
Every day we hear on the news about soldiers who are wounded or killed in Iraq. It hits us hard each time we hear it, and we offer sympathy to their families in our hearts.
But now, itís one of North Branchís own who needs our support, our prayers and our letters.
Corp. JohnathanÝL. 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.
Itís 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, Bensonís 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) ñ more commonly known as a roadside bomb ñ 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. ìHeís in serious condition,î said his mother from Texas, ì but he still has his sense of humor.î
ìItís a miracle,î she said, ìbut heís doing better and better. Weíre all extremely proud of him,î she went on.
Marjorie Benson said she is in awe of how the hospital staff is treating him.
And, she said, he has tremendous support from the Marines. They are in constant contact with him. They are, after all, a ìfamilyî she said.
Corp. Benson belongs to K-Company, 3rd Battalion Marines, First Marines Division out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Now the folks in Texas are taking good care of Benson.
Marjorie Benson had nothing but praise for Staff Sgt. Martinez, in particular. ìHe makes things happen,î she said.
Benson also has received great support from Col. Russell Martin, who, it turns out, is the Army consultant to the Surgeon General on surgery.
Benson loves the staff, his mother said, theyíre phenomenal.
Bensonís father is also extremely proud of his son and his sacrifice. And as he has had to come back to Minnesota this week for work, it is difficult to be so far away. But he is proud of how family and friends have rallied to support Johnathan.
Benson, the youngest in the family, has had his two brothers by his bedside this past week. They plan to make many trips to Texas to be there for him. Steve Benson said Johnathan draws strength from his older brothers. In addition, other family members and a friend traveled to Texas to be there for him too. And this week his older sister has arrived to support and encourage him.
The Benson family has much for which to be grateful, even in the light of this serious tragedy.
But, Corp. Benson has a long road ahead of him and his motherís heartís desire is that people back home will show concern and support by writing to him during this long, long process of recovery.
The Post Review will keep the North Branch community updated on Corp. Bensonís recovery. And according to Nelia Schrum, Chief of Public Affairs, Brooke Army Medical Center, when heís feeling up to it, he will be available for a telephone interview with us.
Brooke Army Medical Center has cared for more than 2,307 service members who have been injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Brooke Army Medical Center has deployed a total of 1,472 soldiers in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
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
Comment from Carrie Collins, 7/19/06
Your article is great. Thanks from a nurse who has a special place in her heart for this dear marine
Comment from Rachel Stefonick, 7/20/06
thank you for writing up such a great article. i went to high school with jon and helped his mom marjorie with her horses a couple of times when i was younger. jon really is a great, (not to mention funny!) guy and its such a relief to hear that hes pulling through. my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family throughout this difficult time.
Comment from Doug Irvine, 7/21/06
Thank you, for supporting this young Marine, Corporal Benson. As his actions are noteworthy, yours are also.
Doug Irvine, KCo 3/l, VN '66-'67.
Comment from Randy Benson, 7/21/06
Thanks for letting the world know of Jonathan. Our thoughts and prayers are with him constantly.
From Uncle Randy in Kelowna, BC Canada
Comment from David Johnson, 7/24/06
Thanks for sharing this very important information. My sister, Maggie, in Cebu City, Philippines forwarded your website regarding Jonathan. Thnak you God that You still heal hearts and bodies! Will be praying for Jonathan and family.
Comment from Darla Giles (Trulson), 7/24/06
I don't know Jon, but I know most of his family, and will continue to pray for his recovery and healing. God Bless the servicemen who keep us free!
Comment from Phil Barnhill, 7/24/06
Johnathan,
The tree of liberty must, from time to time, be watered with the blood of patriots...and of tyrants. Thank you for shedding your patriot's blood in order to maintain liberty for your fellow man. As Ronaldus Maximus always said after every speech: May God Bless you...and God Bless America!
Comment from Krysta Breivik, 7/24/06
It's amazing how many young men and women risk their lives everyday. I went to school with Jon and I'm thankful to hear that he is ok. My prayers are with the Benson family. Thank you Jon for all that you've done for us. You're a hero.
All our love from Virginia, The Breiviks
Comment from Bobbi Leitsch, 7/24/06
I am a friend of Jon's Uncle Joel in Wisconsin. My son is also in Iraq and is 19 years old, so I really feel for Jon's family at this time. Our church is praying for Jon as is our Military Support Group at Calvary Bible Church. We are trying to get some fundraisers going to help with family expenses in the traveling for the next couple of years. You are all in our prayers, and God Bless you Jon!!
Comment from dawn slade, 7/24/06
Thank you for fighting for our country and the freedoms we often take for granted. We are all praying for your speedy recovery.
Comment from Marcy, Craig and Erik Molin, 7/25/06
John, Even though you don't know us we are praying for you. May each new day be a blessing to you for keeping our family and nation safe here at home. Thank you John for the work you have already done. God Bless you.
Comment from Blake Ferngren, 7/25/06
You have done something that 90% of Americans will never do. You have seen, heard, and experienced something that only you will ever know. For that I am grateful. God Bless John.
Comment from matthew skipper, 7/26/06
From someone that has been to Iraq and been wounded, I tell you that Jon is in excellent hands in Ft. Sam. Thank you for the article. I will pass it on to all of my friends in Ft. Sam
Comment from Mary Ann Galvin, 7/26/06
Thank you Jon for fighting for our freedom and our country.
My prayers are with you. Hope you have a fast recovery.
God Bless You
Mary Ann Galvin
Comment from Arleen Finger, 7/26/06
I want to thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for all you have sacrificed. I'm sending my prayers to you and all to make our country safe and to be free. God Bless you John and your family
Comment from Renate A McWright, 7/27/06
Dear Johnathan. God bless you for your ultimate sacrifice so that we can live a life of liberty and safety in this country. We are so grateful! We are a Bible Study group who will lift up your name before the Lord and pray for your speedy recovery. May the Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer, touch your body and heal you completely so that it will even baffle the doctores and health care staff around you.
Many blessings.
Renate
San Antonio, TX
Comment from Jessica, 7/27/06
My heart goes out to Johnathan, his adoptive parents Marjorie and Steve, and his biological Mother Dawn Schubert. Dawn has been by his side since the beginning. The Marine Corps flew Dawn to Germany to be by his side immediately following his serious injuries. His stepfather Fred has also been with him since the very beginning.
Comment from Lita Hottel, 8/1/06
Dear Jonathan, Thank you for your dedication. I pray that God will lift you up and heal you. You have tons of people praying for you and your family. God will be there for all of you. Watching you grow up, who would have know the sacrifice you would make for us all. We love you.
Comment from Lynn Johnson, 8/3/06
We miss you, John, in North Branch and pray for you everyday that you will return home soon. You have a lot of support here. Stay strong! God Bless You and your family and all your friends. WE LOVE YOU!, Lynn,Jamie,Peter&Erik
Comment from Deb Esmay, 8/7/06
Dear Jon,
I vividly recall your coming back to visit my English classroom while you were wearing your military uniform; your laughter continues to ring in my ears. However, your sacrifice and dedication for America will long live in my heart. You are a strong, young man with so much to give the world. Stay tough and give everyone a chance to experience that laughter and courage that exemplifies the kind of wonderful man you are. I'm praying for you, your family, and friends. God Bless you. Mrs. Esmay
Comment from sue, 8/7/06
We love you and are praying for you. I thank God for your relationship with Him.
Comment from Mark Hottel, 8/21/06
Jonathan, Steve, and Marge - Just a note to say I care. God bless you. Mark Hottel
Comment from Lynne Caulkett, 8/22/06
Dear Jon,
I haven't received an update from your mom, Margie, lately, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and keep you. Lynne Caulkett and family
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