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    On Their Own Terms [Image 5 of 14]

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    On Their Own Terms

    RAMADI, IRAQ

    10.15.2009

    Photo by Liesl Marelli 

    3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery

    Without looking closely, it's not obvious that 1st Lt. Ed Salau is an above-the-knee amputee until he does something dramatic like twist his prosthetic leg at the "joint" as demonstrated Oct. 15 at Camp Ramadi, Iraq. Salau and six other wounded warriors traveled to Iraq for closure to their traumatic experiences thanks to Operation Proper Exit, a program co-sponsored by the United Service Organizations and Troops First Foundation. Among those seeking closure were five amputees, one blinded by an improvised explosive device detonation and one who suffered from traumatic brain injury causing him to lose the ability to write, read and communicate for a period of time. Physical rehabilitation is essential for these troops but visiting Iraq helps bring them mental and emotional recovery. Giving them an opportunity to enter and leave the combat zone on their own terms gave them back the power they were seeking. "The doc didn't have a say; the enemy didn't have a vote," said Salau.

    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 10.15.2009
    Date Posted: 10.16.2009 08:28
    Photo ID: 213486
    VIRIN: 091015-A-2315M-032
    Resolution: 1900x1264
    Size: 1.6 MB
    Location: RAMADI, IQ

    Web Views: 317
    Downloads: 25

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