In Their Own Words: Harry Willis
Standing By a Wounded Veteran
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Stands by Army Veteran through Three Years of Recovery
Harry Willis was injured during a mission in Iraq after serving his country during three tours of duty. During three years of recovery, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (CSAH) gave him financial support, counseling and friendship.
Injured After Three Tours of Duty
Harry B. Willis III followed in the footsteps of many family members when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in August of 2002. He proudly served as a transport operator on three tours of duty, for a total of 37 months, in Iraq.
During his third deployment, on September 1st, 2005 while serving on a mission from Iraq to Kuwait, Willis’ convoy came under small arms fire. The first eight trucks passed through without issue, however when Willis’ vehicle passed through, he was shot in both legs. He was medically evacuated to Landsthul, Germany and then sent to Walter Reed Medical Center and then to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). During the next six months Willis underwent six surgeries at BAMC before he was eventually sent to home to Fort Riley.
“The Coalition Stood By Me”
During the next three years Willis would face increasingly mounting bills and a difficult physical recovery. The struggles seemed impossible until CSAH stepped in.
“The emotional support the Coalition has shown me has been incredibly overwhelming,” Willis said. “They sent the kindest letters from donors that warmed my heart. I never even knew who was on the other end of the phone guiding me, but time and time again they stopped and listened as I explain the problems I was facing. At the time, I was not married and did not have really anyone to go through this experience with. But the constant, kind words they shared then made me a better man today.”
Apart from a listening ear, CSAH offered Willis financial help and counseling. CSAH lent Willis money to get through some difficult financial periods. “The money really helped,” he recalled. “But what really mattered was that they were willing to help me at all.”
During his recovery, Willis met and married his wife, Stephanie. After their marriage, CSAH offered each of the Willis’ separate counseling and contacts to support t them through various stages of recovery. While their marriage was strengthened through this process, Willis’ family had trouble coping with his condition. “Before my counseling my family felt distant from me because I was so hesitant to let them help me. But the Coalition introduced me to people I would have never met otherwise that were going through similar situations, and I finally learned from them to open up to my family,” he recalled.
“The Coalition is an awesome organization and I would recommend it to any family in need,” Willis said. “They have really helped turn me into the man that I am today. I will never forget their unending support as they stood by me through it all.”