The Broken Soldier

I am Brian MacPherson, a close personal friend of Jimison Hutchinson. I just wanted to let all of you know what type of person Jimison is, as well as the impact his injuries are having on his friends. As a friend, he is loyal to a fault with a wit and intelligence that is matched by no other person I have ever known. As a husband to Sarah, he is devoted and loving. And as an American, he is by far one of the most patriotic people I have ever met. While this may sound soft-soapie or an exercise in hyperbole, it is actually true. There really are people like Jimison in the world, though they are hard to find.

When Jimison joined the army to train to be an officer, I had no doubt he would excel and attain a very high rank. Jimison is unusual in that he not only has a high intellect, but he is very adept in terms of physical skills. He would make an excellent combat officer but he would also make a great computer analyst protecting us against terrorists, or a great researcher.

Jimison was once a very strong man, we used to work out together, While I myself am no weakling, I could not keep up with Jimison in workouts. But after his accident in basic training, he is now walking with a cane, he is in constant pain, and he suffers with this pain each and every day. It tears my heart apart to see Jimison suffering. This is not the strong man I once knew. However, in the midst of suffering, he shows great courage. He will not back down in his bid to persuade the army to give him what he is owed – unconditional and unlimited health care to correct or mitigate his physical symptoms that were the direct result of an accident while training. This man was willing to fight for his country, which he loves with a passion, but the military bureaucracy is unwilling to pay for his medical bills. They are stalling, and each day they stall, the worse Jimison’s condition becomes. I want all of you to write your congressperson or your senator and ask them not to let this happen to Jimison or to any other solider willing to fight for the cause of defending this great country.