The family of Staff Sgt. John Stanz, the local Marine who was critically injured in Afghanistan this past August, is hopeful that the miraculous progress he has already made will lead to a Christmas homecoming.
Johnny's recovery continues to move forward on a daily basis. Since he has already made the large strides of walking, talking and eating, now things are going to happen more gradually.
"On Aug. 15 when we first got the news, we were devastated," said Joe Stanz, the injured marine's brother. "But thinking about where he is today, about three months later - he has exceeded all of our expectations."
Stanz, 27, was critically injured when the vehicle in which he was riding was blown up in an ambush attack by a land-planted improvised explosive device, or IED. At the time of the attack, Stanz was serving with the Marine Special Operations Company F, 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion.
The attack left Stanz suffering from severe enclosed head trauma, multiple facial fractures, a fractured right hand, a fractured left foot, a dislocated right knee and damage to both of his lungs.
Since then, several community fundraisers and benefits have taken place and the family has been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support they have received.
Although Stanz graduated from Jamestown High School, his family now lives in the greater-Buffalo area and that community is planning another benefit event.
On Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., the Hamburg VFW Post 2985 located on Lakeview Road in Hamburg will host a benefit where a $20 donation gets you food, drinks and entertainment by the rock band Too Many Hoy's. There will also be a number of raffles held throughout the night.
For more information or to get tickets ahead of time, send an e-mail to MCEWENGL4@msn.com.
The family said that over the next year, they are looking forward to getting the brace removed from John's right leg, getting his vocal range back, decreasing his short-term memory loss and increasing the functionality of his left arm.
According to Joe, Johnny has progressed well physically with all the broken bones and injuries healing quite well, and his mental progression, although not as great, is still moving in the right direction.
The plan right now is to get Johnny back home in Buffalo for Christmas, however with his injuries, nothing is for certain.
"We want to be able to have him home for Christmas but that all depends on what happens between now and then," Joe said. "We think being at home will help him in a lot of ways, including helping with his short-term memory issues."
Although the family is eager to get Johnny back home, they will need to make several alterations to their home to make it accessible to him.
An account has been established at Jamestown Savings Bank, a division of Northwest Savings Bank, under the name of The John Stanz Family Benefit account. Monetary donations may be made at any Northwest or Jamestown Savings Bank branch.
Anyone wishing to send a card or note to Johnny and the Stanz family can mail them to Joe Stanz at 2621 Horsham Rd., Apt. A6, Hatboro, PA 19040.
To follow Johnny's progress, visit The Caring Bridge at www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnjstanz.
