Wounded Ranger returns to Hunter Army Airfield

By Nancy Gould, Hunter Army Airfield Public AffairsJune 30, 2010

Wounded Ranger returns to Hunter
Rangers from the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment greet Staff Sgt. Cory Remsburg with cheers and applause when he arrives at Hunter Army Airfield June 25 for a visit. Staff Sgt. Cory Remsburg was injured by a IED in October 2009, while se... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - Rangers from the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment greeted Staff Sgt. Cory Remsburg with cheers and applause when he arrived at Hunter Army Airfield in his van and was placed into his wheelchair, June 25.

Standing among them were cheering riders from the Patriot Guard, a national group of motorcyclists who escort fallen or wounded members of the military at a Family Member's request. According to Patriot Guard rider Bill Gaskin, the group was honored to meet up with the Florida caravan and escort them to Hunter for the reunion.

"To see the compassion from others takes my breath away," said Staff Sgt. Remsburg's father, Craig.

Staff Sergeant Remsburg was wounded by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, Oct. 1, 2009. He was undergoing treatment in Tampa, Fla., when he was offered a chance to visit his colleagues at Hunter, said Steve Hart, base spokesman.

"When I got that call from the military, I thought Cory was on the other end of the line," Craig said. "Instead, there was a pause and then the news. It was tough. Cory was in a coma for five months, but miraculously, he's now talking and responding well."

"He loves feeling like a part of the team," said Staff Sgt. Edward Ward, Company B, 1/75 Rangers, with whom Staff Sgt. Remsburg served. "He's not one to sit in his bed - that's probably the reason why he's recovered so well."

Other reasons for improvement are the people who care, according to Staff Sgt. Ward, who named Staff Sgt. Remburg's parents as his primary support.

"They are forfeiting a lot to be there for their son," he said.

Others include groups like the Patriot Guard, whose motorcycle processions give honor to the military members they support.

"We give a good visual representation," said Gaskin, about the impression they make on the civilian and military communities. "People can see the faces of America in us. My hope for the future is that we only do happy welcome homecoming events - no more wounded or funeral escorts."

But until that day comes, Gaskin said his group will continue to support Staff Sgt. Remsburg and other brave servicemembers who are willing to give their lives to serve their county.