Landstuhl, Germany – Governor Sean Parnell and First Lady Sandy Parnell visited wounded warriors at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center this weekend in Landstuhl, Germany. The medical center serves as the nearest treatment center for seriously wounded service members coming from Afghanistan and Iraq. The visit included a tour of the facility and private visits with the wounded.

One young soldier, gravely injured, asked Governor Parnell to pass along a message to the people back home. The soldier asked us to remember that all those serving today have volunteered. “Remember,” he said, “…that no one made us give up ourselves like this. We do it freely, giving of ourselves day in and day out.”

Another spoke of how thankful he was for his wife and family’s support. A number of the wounded mentioned the incredibly caring and competent medical staff at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

“The time spent with these soldiers was extremely humbling, and we are profoundly thankful for the selfless service of these men and women,” Governor Parnell said. “We are also grateful for the medical staff and leadership at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center who personally give their all to save the lives and futures of these courageous people.”

The injured are flown from Afghanistan or Iraq to Ramstein Air Base in western Germany, and then transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near Ramstein. At Landstuhl, the goal is to stabilize their medical condition, including surgery, ICU, and recovery services. From there, the wounded warriors typically go to Walter Reed Army Medical Center or to facilities closer to their families.