‘I Want to Live for My Guys’

An Iraq vet adjusts to life without legs.

By Jamie Reno | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Nov 10, 2007 | Updated: 11:58  a.m. ET Nov 10, 2007

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  • Posted By: news2007 @ 11/12/2007 2:40:49 PM

    I think she has her bain washed by a system that sucks!!! Poor girl, she has lost her legs for pure economics interests and business mater from Bush and his administration. OIL OIL OIL is what it counts here!!! TERRORISTS ARE AN INVENTED TALE TO JUSTIFY THE BAD ACTS OF THIS GOD DAM ADMINISTRATION. The twin towers were blown by Bush!!!

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 03/17/2008 2:41:55 AM

      LMAO You are so right, I am not only brain washed, but the terrorists were INVENTED. 0-11 never REALLY happened, that was something that the governemtn cooked up so that we could go and invade the middle east for OIL and watch thousands and thousands of our people die on foreign soil.

      As much as you think I may be brain washed, at the very least, I still have a brain and understand how to type, spell and use correct grammar. You shoujld try it sometime.

    • Posted By: proudvietnamvet @ 11/12/2007 4:09:20 PM

      your rantings only deserve one comment IDIOTEnter Your Comment

      • Posted By: saintjohn @ 11/12/2007 11:12:18 PM

        TO: News2007; Some people do not have the common sence God gave geese. and another thing although God has many names; Dam is not one of them. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge so I suppose I should't be surprized by your comments after all.

    • Posted By: news2007 @ 11/12/2007 2:45:39 PM

      I think You are right, Bush sucks!!!!

      • Posted By: Hawkeye3 @ 11/12/2007 3:09:15 PM

        Oh my God are you that naieve!!!!

    • Posted By: Hawkeye3 @ 11/12/2007 3:07:01 PM

      get a life man if you think this a war only with Iraq you are sadly mistaken. We are the evil empire and these terroroists will blow our butts away in a second if given a chance. You don't believe it take a trip over there and offer those poor misunderstood souls your assitance.
      Oh don't forget to put you life in order before you go you won't be back.

  • Posted By: sincere @ 11/12/2007 4:19:50 PM

    Comment: Does anyone win in any WAR? Melissa why would you want to go back? You gave up your legs> Do you think that these people your fighting with would or even care whether you lost your legs or life.? Do you think Bush cares? Is he out fighting for his country? Really the only way wars will stop is when LOVE becomes bigger than WAR and the compassion for humankind is the focus not revenge.
    Thank God my daughter believes the same way I do....because Melissa my heart would be broken if she went to a WAR that makes no sense and has been going on for 100's of years.
    Believe me no one will win this war only the death toll will be the Honour Roll
    Not to say Melissa that your intentions were not valid, but perhaps look inside your heart. WOuld you really do it again only to seek revenge?
    A non Canadian believer in war....

    • Posted By: Rob R @ 11/12/2007 4:41:16 PM

      Lady, your living in a fantacy world. If we left things to folks that believe like you, we'd all be speaking German or Japanese right now.......Wake up and smell the coffee!

      Melissa - You are a great American who deserves your countries gratitude and respect. God Bless YOU and God Bless America! From a Veteran of 35 years service.

      • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 03/17/2008 2:22:09 AM

        Have you looked around this country lately??? FIRST OFF, AGAIN, my name is MARISSA, spelled with an AR, not an EL. Secondly, a very LARGE percentage of this country is speaking English as a SECOND language and might I add, not very well.

        You sit there and say that people like me would ruin this country, well, people like you already have so I don't see how people like me could do any worse.

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 2:35:17 AM

      All I have to say to you is.... read the freaking article. Realize that my name is MARISSA and not Melissa and then MAYBE just maybe I will have even the slightest inclination to sit on this message board and bicker with you.

      It saddens me that there are still people in this world, this late in the game who are as delusional as you, who brain wash their children to feel the same way.

    • Posted By: Rob R @ 11/12/2007 4:47:52 PM

      Lady, your living in a fantacy world. If we left things to folks that believe like you, we'd all be speaking German or Japanese right now.......Wake up and smell the coffee!

      Melissa - You are a great American who deserves your countries gratitude and respect. God Bless YOU and God Bless America! From a Veteran of 35 years service.

    • Posted By: Rob R @ 11/12/2007 4:47:44 PM

      Lady, your living in a fantacy world. If we left things to folks that believe like you, we'd all be speaking German or Japanese right now.......Wake up and smell the coffee!

      Melissa - You are a great American who deserves your countries gratitude and respect. God Bless YOU and God Bless America! From a Veteran of 35 years service.

    • Posted By: Army Guy @ 11/12/2007 4:23:04 PM

      The Iraqi people did not want gased or tortured but the devil himself was there seeing it through.

  • Posted By: wifeofapeacekeeper @ 01/07/2008 4:51:22 AM

    After reading many of these comments that slander Marissa and our Heroes,I think we should take a vigilante approach and kill all who disagree with our Military. They are doing nothing but lowering morale for our troops and abusing their rights. Rights that are allowed by our Military who is, by the way, fighting for our freedom. These rights shouldn't be used against our troops, a.k.a. freedom or speech. And don't even think of arguing with me about whether or not they are fighting for our freedom...I sleep alone every night for our freedom, Marissa lost her legs for our freedom, and there are many, many others who have lost their lives or the abiltiy to live a normal life FOR OUR FREEDOM. You might not believe that's what is for, but you should take a few steps in a military families life before you make that assumption. Thank you Marissa. I truly, honestly appreciate your courage, determination, and willingness to preserve our nation.

  • Posted By: MarineMom @ 11/12/2007 4:42:03 PM

    I am ashamed at some of the comments that are posted here. Marissa, please forgive the unappreciative remarks. This article is about you and your achievements and your fellow military brothers and sisters.. I admire you and I bet the people who have posted the negative comments would never in their lifetime be able to achieve what you have on your own without any free handouts. I also think that Newsweek should not open a comment section like this unless the comments are reviewed before blasting out to the world. These negative comments should be posted under someone else's column. Freedome of Speech, yes we have but there is also a thing called Freedom to keep our mouths shut especially if its only opinions rather then fact. Its comments like this that make me ashamed to say I live in America.

    If you want, blast me, not our military, our government, our religion, our schools, etc. and especially not Marissa. What has America come to. I lower my head in shame.

    .

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 2:32:12 AM

      I disagree MarineMom. I enjoy being able to sit back and read some of the things both sides have to say. It's what we fight for, why the military is there in the first place. To ensure that all have their freedom's protected from everything.

      It's their right, and they chose to exercise it.

      • Posted By: wifeofapeacekeeper @ 01/07/2008 4:24:20 AM

        I honestly don't think given rights should not be used against the people who grant them. Like you said, they give these people freedom of speech, but it should not by any means be used to slander them. Quite rude and hateful, if i may say so myself.

  • Posted By: SENYOU @ 11/13/2007 7:20:49 AM

    you to irak to show to people how to kill each other you are pitiful they are using your to encourage pegple to do the same

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 12/17/2007 2:13:30 PM

      How can you comment on an atricle like this, when it is clearly apparent that you had trouble reading and understanding this article. Which also apparently afects your understanding of this war. I did not go overseas to teach anyone to kill people, I was there to teach their Army and their Police how to protect their cities and their country.

      Next time you want to talk crap to someone, you should probably use some kind of grammar, or spell check, or know even KIND OF what you are talking about.

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 12/17/2007 2:10:34 PM

      It scares me quite a bit that I understood what you had to say.

      I did not go overseas to show anyone how to kill people. I went overseas to show their police and their Army, how to protect their country, and their cities. When you can speak in english, and type using correct grammar, THEN come talk to me, until then... go play in traffic.

  • Posted By: rhelwig @ 11/19/2007 6:14:12 AM

    Well

    • Posted By: votenic @ 11/21/2007 4:09:55 PM

      2008 Presidential Election
      http://www.votenic.com
      The Only Poll That Matters
      Results Posted Tuesday Evening

  • Posted By: melward @ 11/17/2007 9:55:15 AM

    Marissa, I sat with your mom when you went off to boot camp. I listened to her fears when you were deployed and to the terror in voice when she was notified of your being hurt. I'll never forget the first time i saw you at Walter Reed. The road from then to now has been a scary and amazing journey. I read this and all I can say is... it's is an honor to know you... I only hope that I can do half as good of a job raising my girls as your mom has done with you. You have grown into a amazing woman - you are truly an inspiration to all of us. Anyone who has the audacity to think otherwise simply has not been there. They do not share the experiences you have to even come close to understanding what it???s all about. Ignore their ignorance.

    Love you ??? from the bottom of my heart??? Mel

  • Posted By: talexander @ 11/17/2007 9:42:41 AM

    Sandi and Marissa. This is Tracy Loris Daughter. Marissa I have to say I am extremely proud of you. I wish that I had just an ounce of the courage and ambition that you have. I am happy that you are finally getting your life back together it is much deserved.

  • Posted By: gmasdream @ 11/16/2007 10:50:27 AM

    My name is Sandi Ogden, I am Marissa Strock's mother. I have read through these comments and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the people who have taken the time to thank and encourage Marissa. As for the people who have placed their small minded and point-blank rude comments on here, I say this. For all of you who think that it is the Marissa's and like that are over in Iraq murdering innocents and portraying the "American Terrorist".... I have nothing but pity for you!!! These incredibly courageous and honorable Americans are going to work each and every single day, just like you. The difference is, their jobs have more meaning than yours could possibly imagine. They may not agree with their "boss' " opinion, they may not like what it is they are told to do each day but.. they get up each morning, set any fear aside they may have and more selflessly than any of us could imagine, concentrate on their one sole purpose.. Protecting US!!!!! You leave your nice cozy home each morning to go to your "job" for what purpose?? So that you can get a paycheck at the end of the week for you and your family.. These American Heroes go to work each day and they are a world away from their families, their lives and everything they hold dear in their hearts??? For what?? For US!!

    We all go on about our daily lives, we lose track of our friends.. These heroes go on about their lives and they lose their friends!! As these holidays approach and you worry about when you are going to have time to do everything and which family member???s home you are going to spend them at??? think about the heroes that don???t have ANY of those choices right now because, why?? They are protecting US !!!!

    Does it break my heart to see all the losses and all the wounded? Of course it does, and trust me, I have seen it all right up close and personal. Do I agree with what this world is doing right now? No, I absolutely do not. However???. How dare you and how can you possibly call yourself an American or even human to speak against these incredible heroes who at least have the nerve to dedicate themselves and their lives to do something about it!!!!

    We, as parents, hope that we can teach our children enough in our lifetime to be sure that they are set to go on in their lives. Me? As the mother of Marissa have now been set out on a new parenting path, that is to have learned from my daughter what honor, courage and perseverance is all about.

    I love you Marissa Anne, you just keep on doing what you are doing!!!!!!

  • Posted By: VackoX18 @ 11/12/2007 4:21:39 PM

    All of you anti american european bastards are almost as bad as the american who spit on out soldiers. As i recall it was AMERICA that saved Euorpes ass in WW2. It's a simple fact that Europe can't defened themselves from anything. You make me sick, sitting back in your air conditioned house talking about how the USA is just in it for the gas and blah blah blah the same tired *** were hear all the time. You and every *** like you is pathetic, you couldn't handle what these young men and women do day in and day out over there. This story was about a tragic incident to a young woman and how she is making the best of her life with what she has. Then you chime in talking about cheap gas and ***. For the record dick head gas is skyrocketing, so you can't use the same tired gas line. If we wanted cheaper gas, we would attack Saudi Arabia.

    • Posted By: fvhjr @ 11/15/2007 11:09:45 PM

      "If we wanted cheaper gas, we would attack Saudi Arabia?"

    • Posted By: trmpt1 @ 11/12/2007 10:05:47 PM

      I don't think all of the people posting negative remarks are all from Europe. Perhaps if you have had a chance to live outside of the US and see our world from another perspective you would be a bit more open minded. Take a look at history to see the acts of the US make sure it isn't a version from the Anglo Saxon Race in the US though.

      Gas would be cheaper if were werent paying oil cartels, oh and maybe if Bush wasn't in the oil business.

      It is a tragic thing that is happening to our soldiers over there and they do deserve our support, but We are trying to force a democratic system into a Muslim society. Not everyone that lives there are terrorists we have many of our own citizens that are terrorists. We instead need to stop letting the elite run our country and make our voices heard and elect someone who will represent our wants and needs. Stop letting the well to do get more and more while the rest struggle or complaign about things.

      Let your remarks be heard in our government..

  • Posted By: hoyosmanuela@hotmail.com @ 11/14/2007 6:57:39 PM

    Marissa, I just read your article. my name is Manuela Hoyos I am also in a wheelchair I was born with a spinal cord injury. I live in MIami. I read that you wanted to come to fliorida and find a place where you can go sailing and kayaking. I am the ambassasor of a wonderful organization called shake aleg miami! so if you decide to come please contact me and i will go and show you this wonderful place.

    Check this website out!
    this is the website of shake a leg

    www.shakealegmiami.org

  • Posted By: ChuckfromAlbany @ 11/13/2007 8:05:38 PM

    Thanks for your sacrifice Marissa. Whether people agree with the Iraq war or not, it is your and your fellow soldiers are doing what our Country ask you to do. NO Politics here please. Thank you for encouraging other hurt or wounded in this war, be it physical or mental . These Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and women deserve our support and the best medical care on the planet. We all should support our troops and DEMAND the best equipment and care we as a nation can and SHOULD provide....Keep the heat on Washington and the White House about this important issue. Thanks, Chuck, Albany, Oregon

  • Posted By: Jon Boy @ 11/13/2007 11:37:48 AM

    ahh this whole thing is such a big mess.

    Bored? Check out my Blog www.curiousread.com
    Jon Boy

  • Posted By: cynthia_m @ 11/13/2007 9:05:36 AM

    Marissa, Thank you for sharing your story of courage and commitment. It's people like you who give us faith and inspiration. My 22 year old son, Colt, is a parapalegic who has overcome some similar obstacles. He was paralyzed from the waist down after a hunting accident at age 14. He has taken the opportunity to turn a tragedy into something positive. He has worked hard and become a Wheelchair National bodybuiling champion. He works as apersonal trainer and does motivational speeking too. I would like to share his name and email address with you in case you might like to chat. I think the 2 of you may have a bit in common. His name is Colt Wynn- slyjones50@hotmail.com You can read about him online as well if you google him. Thank you for you service and sacrifice for our counrty, Cindy

  • Posted By: naochan @ 11/12/2007 2:29:25 PM

    RU4Real.. If you believe that we are never going to win the war on terrorism, then why have a free country? If you can't see a brighter future ahead of us, then your doomed.. Don't rain on my parade.. I believe we will win the war on Terrorism, I Believe my kids have a VERY Bright Future.. I believe my Grandkids and there kids will have a bright future, and If I don't win the War on Terrorism, then they will.. I BELIEVE!!

    • Posted By: trmpt1 @ 11/12/2007 2:58:04 PM

      Maybe we should look at our own acts of terrorism in this country. Lets start with the forced removal of native americans, the imprissonment of american citizens that are of Japanese decent during WWII, the lynchings, hangings, watching groups fight for their own civil rights in this country, and yet we are not terrorists ourselves, ingnorance is blind.

      • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:48:11 AM

        When did this country ever claim to be perfect? When did this country ever claim that those things did not happen?

    • Posted By: metalurg @ 11/12/2007 3:27:01 PM

      You can still be a patriot and speak against the war. Actually the only patriotic act is to end the war in Iraq and buy oil like the rest of the planet. If a person comes to a gas station and hangs the manager, then takes the employees hostage and takes over the gas station, so they would have free gas, what would we call that? Well, murder, kidnapping, assault, in one word crime, in these days possibly even terrorism. When a country comes to another country, hangs its leader, occupies the country, so it would have free oil, it's callled liberation. Oh really??? No, by international law it's nothing but an illegal war. And the people who are trying to get rid of the occupator, are definetly not terrorists, they're only poor bastards, who are doing everything in ther power to keep their belongings and stay free.

      Oh BTW, the war on terror, which has NOTHING to do with Iraq, is a different story. A government always assures its power when in a state of war, and the people usually change their opinion about their leader because of times of crisis. The cool thing about the war on terror is that the enemy is invisible, the war can last longer than any other war in history, and because it can last forever it also assures the power and infallability of the government.

      So, the war will not be won, because our leaders don't want it to end.

      Oh, and feel free to flame me, i couldn't care less. I'm still living in a free world with real democracy, it's called Europe :)

  • Posted By: hollberry @ 11/12/2007 2:00:34 PM

    I saw the Wounded Warrior Project, kaying, sailing and doing many other water activities at Shake-A-Leg Miami (www.shakealegmiami.org).

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:33:45 AM

      Then you saw me!! That is where that picture was taken.

  • Posted By: 8675309Susie8675309 @ 11/12/2007 1:55:08 PM

    Marissa, I was very touched by your story as it hit close to home for me. I am a 45 year old wife and mother who is a triple amputee. My legs were removed in August and my right, formerly dominant, hand in October of this year. I was formerly very active in softball, volleyball coach, swimming and kayaking. I enjoyed your picture of you kayaking because that was a testament of something that I could also return to. I was also amputated below the knees and am working with leg prosthetics. I don't know why, but I thought learning to use the new legs would be easier than it is. Each day I improve and can do more than I did the day before and I look forward to reinstating my independece. My current goal is getting back to driving. I miss being able to get up and go. Thank you for your story because it gives me hope that there is more to us than missing legs.

    • Posted By: saintjohn @ 11/12/2007 11:38:16 PM

      Susie; You can do what ever you put your heart,sole , and mind to. But most importantly where you give up the reins of your life is where God can pick them and start you on a course of life you couldn't amagine was possible. God will heal you from the inside out. how I do not know. but what I do know is that his thoughts are not our thoughts. and His ways are not our way's what i do know is He can put the desire in your heart to move forward. Love God and seek God and He will direct your path J.A. Santos

      • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:33:03 AM

        On the trip where that picture was taken, there was a triple amputee, who is above both knee's and above the elbow. He was sailing, snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking, just as well as the rest of us. NEVER lose hope.

  • Posted By: dainty @ 11/12/2007 1:29:31 PM

    I just turned my computer on and opened the internet to start browsing and I saw your story on MSN"s front page! I thank you for giving me the courage to fight fot what I want even if I have a chronic illness. I was dx when still in High School and couldn't see a promising future for me but now you've given me new hopes of fighting for my dreams. Thank you and may God bless.

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:29:38 AM

      Please fight through everything. No matter what anyone says to you. My doctors told my mother while I was in Germany that I had 25% chance of survival, and after I got to Walter Reed, they told her that IF I woke up from my coma, I would never speak or walk again.

      You can over come anything. Keep your head in the game.

  • Posted By: MarsRules @ 11/12/2007 2:52:35 PM

    What is worth this poor child loosing her legs?? NOTHING!!
    War + War = WAR
    It's sad that people think war will create peace when in all actuality it creates more and more of the same...war. : (

    • Posted By: bschermond @ 11/12/2007 2:59:43 PM

      Are you kidding???? Thank you to all the men and women that protect our country. God bless you!
      I love going to bed at night and feeling that my children are safe because of your dedication and willingness to fight and keep our freedom.

      • Posted By: MarsRules @ 11/12/2007 3:12:13 PM

        No I am not kidding you...and it's sad that you think this war is about keeping your children safe at night....apparently you dont pay much attention to the business of politics.

        Why dont you say thank you to Marissa for loosing both of her legs so that you can "feel" like your children are safe at night when that really makes no sense because you have no idea what lies beneath this "war on terrorism". Wake up lady!! Bush is the terrorist!

        • Posted By: proudvietnamvet @ 11/12/2007 4:04:35 PM

          MarsRules,You are a flaming idiot and Rank right up there with Traitors like Jane Fonda.Enter Your Comment

          • Posted By: MarsRules @ 11/12/2007 5:34:47 PM

            You're right proudvietnamvet! I am a "flaming idiot" because I see outside of the small, confined box humanity lives inside of. Also, FYI my father is a vietnam vet.

            I dont care to explain myself to someone who is CLEARLY never going to admit that the direction in which we are moving is only going to lead to catastrophe. You have devoted a good portion of your life to war, so of course you approve of it.

            You're are entitled to your beliefs just as I, and one day all who believe in war will understand that WAR DOESNT BELIVE IN YOU. LoVe is all that really matters on this planet. Unfortunately humans have created too much confusion to see this, to understand the value of LoVe.

            So I am sorry if you dont get why I do not believe in murder, violence, WAR. It shames me to think that I am of the same breed as those who participate in this violence.

            • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:14:36 AM

              All I wish for in this small confined box humanity lives in is that it was legal to hunt stupid people. :-\

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:12:29 AM

      One, I am not a child. No matter how old you are, age is not determined by comparison.

      Two, I lost PART of my limbs fighting for something I believed in.

    • Posted By: proudvietnamvet @ 11/12/2007 4:01:19 PM

      War has gon on for centuries, and will continue for many more. With out our service men and women we would be speaking Japanese or German by now and afrait to answer these comments.
      Thank you Marissa and all who serve.

  • Posted By: captain_in_sano123 @ 11/12/2007 3:00:50 PM

    shes hot! what a damn shame to see this happen to a fine young lady. bush should take a flying leap. if its anything, hes a war lord and a terrorist himself! a terrorist to his own people. just take our soldiers and shove them in a meat grinder, thier expendable, after all he has the next crop lined up when they go! what a douche bag!

    • Posted By: SpcMarissaStrock @ 11/13/2007 3:08:50 AM

      I will neither publicly agree or disagree with your opinion on our president, as I'm in the news often enough that I don't need something coming back to bite me in the butt later on. But I did want to say thank you for the comment on me being hot. Glad to hear it whenever I can. :-D

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