COURAGE

Texas Talks:  Saluting our Soldiers

Sgt. Merlin German

With our bravest men and women fighting abroad to protect our freedoms at home, Memorial Day stands as one of our most esteemed American traditions. 

As we honor our men and women who served in the armed services on Memorial Day, “Texas Talk” spotlights Sgt. Merlin German, a young Marine who faced unbelievable adversity to inspire all those around him. 

Sgt. German had one of the most hazardous jobs in Iraq: to travel in front of his convoy to find roadside bombs before they explode.  On February 21, 2005, a roadside blast gravely injured Sgt. German, severely burning 97% of his body.  Doctors gave German a 3% chance of survival. 

As a result of gifted American doctors and an iron will, Sgt. German broke through the mental and physical obstacles and learned to walk again.  German was eventually transferred to San Antonio’s Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), where he began 17 months of inpatient care, including over 100 operations.  Through his recovery, German became known by his fellow patients and doctors by another name:  “Miracle Man.” 

Sgt. German was honored with the Purple Heart and always spoke highly of the Marine Corps.  Despite overwhelming physical setbacks, German always provided encouragement to other burn patients and kept high the spirits of those struggling to cope with their injuries.

Over a month ago, I read with sadness of Sgt. German’s passing due to surgery complications.  Sgt. Merlin German was a man of faith who kept those around him laughing.  In even the most trying of circumstances, German was a sterling example of the character of America’s bravest which we honor today in our hearts, minds and prayers. 

I recently saw a video of Merlin’s best friend, Jedd Chesterton, summing up Sgt. German with a concise description: “Merlin was by far the strongest person that I've ever met in my life.”

 To learn more about Merlin, please visit the foundation set up in his honor at http://www.merlinsmiracles.com/

If you would like to share a story of Texans doing extraordinary things, like Sgt. Merlin German, please e-mail me your inspiring story. 

Thank you, and God bless America.

Sincerely,

David Dewhurst