Comments on 13367

One of our longtime mefi members - Logboy - was recently redeployed to Iraq. When I noted in one of his comments that he was on leave, I bookmarked his weblog and was shocked and saddened to read that he was injured by an IED. Damn.
posted by madamjujujive to MetaFilter-related at 4:02 AM (107 comments total) 2 users marked this as a favorite

He may not be reading mefi right at the moment, but I thought it might help bolster his spirits to see messages of support from us when he gets home.

So from me to Logboy: Thank you so much for your service. I was deeply sorry to learn you paid such a high price. My best wishes to you and your family - and for what little it's worth coming from a stranger on a message board, I am so rooting for you in your recovery.
posted by madamjujujive at 4:14 AM on December 24, 2006

I jsut went to his blog, and it was sluggish coming up. Just in case it gets slammed with traffic - here is his most recent message:

injured
Thursday, December 21, 2006
3:16:24 AM

it is hard for me to tell you all this but i was hurt by an ied here. my right arm has been amputated below the elbow, my left has four working fingers. my legs are fine so l can still logroll! i am on my way to the hospital in germany, then back to the states for more care. i am in high spirits. i am going to be ok, but i will have a long road to recovery. please remember me in your prayers, as well as those who were injured with me. i will let you know more as time passes.

~ J.R. SALZMAN
posted by madamjujujive at 4:20 AM on December 24, 2006

and for what little it's worth coming from a stranger on a message board, I am so rooting for you in your recovery

This is what I wanted to say when I read this post. I am so sorry; but I am glad you made it through it.
posted by greycap at 4:43 AM on December 24, 2006

that sucks ... i hope he can pull his life back together again
posted by pyramid termite at 5:42 AM on December 24, 2006

Well, he'll never have to go to Iraq again, hopefully.
posted by thirteenkiller at 5:55 AM on December 24, 2006

Thanks for the headsup, madamjjj. It's always weird how much the "community" in community weblog hits me at times like this. I don't know logboy, but I'm really pulling for him too.

Also, this letter his blog links to is terrific.
posted by CunningLinguist at 5:58 AM on December 24, 2006 [1 favorite]

Yikes. Sorry to hear that. Here's hoping you have a speedy recovery, Logboy.
posted by languagehat at 6:53 AM on December 24, 2006

Tough break, logboy. Get better.

*salutes*
posted by jonmc at 7:16 AM on December 24, 2006

Oh, shit. Good luck with the recovery and rehab, logboy. And thanks for your service.
posted by mediareport at 7:28 AM on December 24, 2006

*salutes*

Now that's just cruel.
posted by cillit bang at 7:37 AM on December 24, 2006

Thanks for your service.
posted by marxchivist at 7:38 AM on December 24, 2006

strange, I was reading just last night Seneca's letter LXIII to Lucilius, where he explains the importance of being able to shed tears, of the right that one has always had -- even in Homeric times -- to weep for one day and do nothing else, and then Seneca explains how tears puncture the soul of a man of honor but they cannot break the soul. and how there is a time of tears and then life, however changed from its course, keeps going, and how we strive to make sense of pain and injustice by living life after that sorrow.

get better soon, Logboy.
posted by matteo at 7:41 AM on December 24, 2006 [7 favorites]

I don't know if this helps, but one middle-aged lady sitting in Raleigh, North Carolina has a lump in her throat from reading of your injuries. Thank you for serving. Thank you for sacrificing.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 7:47 AM on December 24, 2006

*salutes*

Now that's just cruel.

cillit bang: that was meant as a gesture of respect and honor. In obit threads, I only *salute* those I have great respect for. I wouldn't make a sick joke about this.
posted by jonmc at 7:51 AM on December 24, 2006

Thank you for your service, Logboy, and welcome home.
posted by ottereroticist at 8:02 AM on December 24, 2006

MetaHero
posted by lobstah at 8:21 AM on December 24, 2006

I admire your spirit, Logboy. I wish you the best of luck.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 8:25 AM on December 24, 2006

I am really sorry you got blown up, logboy, sucks to be a soldier. Better to kill other folks than get blown up, but you pay your money and take your chances, hey? Coulda been the other guy, but December 21st was not your golden lucky day.

Thanks for your service.
I admire your spirit, Logboy.

Yeah, that makes it OK. Logboy served, and with spirit. WTF??! Only in America. I feel very, very sorry for you logboy. I don't know why you decided to be a soldier, maybe you had good reasons. Maybe you were poor and wanted to get an education, or maybe you just thought guns were cool. Don't listen to people who say things like this because they are trying to make it OK that you got blown up, and it is not OK, no matter how you try to spin it.

I feel sorry for you as I feel sorry for every chump and pigeon that gets taken for a ride.

Good luck, hope you'll be able to get past all of this, recover from it someday.
posted by Meatbomb at 8:45 AM on December 24, 2006 [3 favorites]

*Salutes* - from Lieutenant Matty D.
posted by matty at 8:46 AM on December 24, 2006

* Salute* with Honor.....* Flag* the disgrace
posted by lobstah at 9:03 AM on December 24, 2006

Meatbomb - saluting is a act of respect.
posted by matty at 9:06 AM on December 24, 2006

Logboy, when you read this - I'm so, so sorry for your injuries... and so glad you escaped with your life. I wish you everything good for the future, and feel that with your fantastic spirit, this will surely come to pass. Certainly, you will know the sweetness and value of life in a way that most of us never will. Welcome back; we're rooting for you.
posted by taz at 9:09 AM on December 24, 2006

I admire your spirit, Logboy

Yeah, that makes it OK. Logboy served, and with spirit. WTF??!

I was referring to the positive disposition he displays in his post: "my right arm has been amputated below the elbow, my left has four working fingers. my legs are fine so l can still logroll!"

I don't know about you, Meatbomb, but if I had just lost my arm, I wouldn't sound so optimistic. I'd be wailing and cursing, not looking forward to getting back to the timber. I admire anyone who can face such a devastating incident with such courage.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 9:11 AM on December 24, 2006

Politics should be left out of this thread.

It's Christmas Eve, people are sending good thoughts to an injured community member, and well, good thoughts to you, logboy! Ignore the folks who deserve the lump of coal and feel the love on this joyous holiday.

And meatbomb--I wish you peace, joy, and love during this holiday season, too.
posted by leftcoastbob at 9:17 AM on December 24, 2006

Logboy, I wish you the best, you're handling this better than I ever could.
posted by tommasz at 9:20 AM on December 24, 2006

It's Christmas Eve, people are sending good thoughts to an injured community member, and well, good thoughts to you, logboy!

Exactly. Logboy, I'm sorry to hear about your injury and I wish you a speedy recovery.
posted by jessamyn at 9:24 AM on December 24, 2006

If I could edit my post, I would deemphasize the fact that logboy put himself into this tragic position, and focus more on my wishes for his recovery, and my feeling very sad that things are as they are.

Sorry for your terrible situation, logboy, good luck in the future.
posted by Meatbomb at 9:27 AM on December 24, 2006 [1 favorite]

Politics should be left out of this thread. Seconded.

Thank You for serving, logboy. I wish you all the best.
posted by niles at 9:28 AM on December 24, 2006

My thoughts are with you, logboy.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:29 AM on December 24, 2006

Man, that is terrible. Good luck, logboy; I've enjoyed reading your comments.
posted by interrobang at 9:31 AM on December 24, 2006

Here's a perhaps relevant comment of logboy's from a few weeks ago.

I would still want to echo the sentiment that we really should leave politics out of this thread, though.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:34 AM on December 24, 2006 [1 favorite]

Speedy recovery, Logboy.
posted by dong_resin at 9:40 AM on December 24, 2006

Keep the log rolling logboy.
posted by hortense at 9:46 AM on December 24, 2006

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Recover soon and roll on, Logboy!
posted by trip and a half at 10:01 AM on December 24, 2006

Take care, logboy. I hope your squadmates survived, and are as resilient as you seem to be.
posted by tkolar at 10:04 AM on December 24, 2006

All the best, Logboy, and here's to a speedy recovery.
posted by merlinmann at 10:14 AM on December 24, 2006

Wishing you peace and healing, Logboy.
posted by amyms at 10:18 AM on December 24, 2006

If you don't get the care you have earned, Logboy, please come back here and let us know.
posted by jamjam at 10:33 AM on December 24, 2006

Goddamnit. :(
posted by loquacious at 10:34 AM on December 24, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you logboy. Thanks for your service, and thanks for being such a positive person in the face of a crappy outcome.

I'm glad you survived. I'm glad you will still be able to do some of what you love.

I've never been through such a major injury, but extrapolating from smaller health challenges, I can say that the future will offer tests of your optimism. When it does, think back on this thread and all the people pulling for you and valuing your sacrifice.

You may have down days. Just remember that you are alive and that you still have great things to contribute to the world.
posted by mmahaffie at 10:41 AM on December 24, 2006

Logboy, my thoughts are with you, wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you thanks and respect for your service.
posted by Elsa at 11:11 AM on December 24, 2006

taz said what I was going to say. Though actually I thought of it first. Best to you and a speedy recovery.
posted by hal9k at 11:29 AM on December 24, 2006

My thoughts are with you. I wish you a speedy recovery.
posted by tickingclock at 11:30 AM on December 24, 2006

Roll on, man.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 11:54 AM on December 24, 2006

may God bless you.
posted by quonsar at 11:56 AM on December 24, 2006

Shit. Good luck, man.
posted by Football Bat at 12:01 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes, Logboy.
posted by Quietgal at 12:10 PM on December 24, 2006

My thoughts are with you, Logboy. God bless you.
posted by RussHy at 12:12 PM on December 24, 2006

You asked for prayers, logboy. You have them.
posted by Cranberry at 12:26 PM on December 24, 2006

Much love and hopes for a speedy recovery, sir.
posted by shmegegge at 12:27 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes to you
posted by growabrain at 12:35 PM on December 24, 2006

I have only respect for your willingness to risk, and now encounter, this distress on my behalf. I wish the best for you and for everyone who was with you.
posted by found missing at 12:48 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes to you and your mates, Logboy.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:58 PM on December 24, 2006

Best to you, Logboy.
posted by amro at 1:02 PM on December 24, 2006

thank you for your service to your country. thank you for doing what you said you would, when called. thank you for being part of what makes me proud to be an american. thank you for being there for the other men and women in uniform. you deserve a hero's welcome , and more than any of us can give . thank you.
posted by nola at 1:46 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes, Logboy!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:47 PM on December 24, 2006 [1 favorite]

It takes a lot of inner strength to take something this bad and this sad and not let it become 'tragic'. Logman, your spirit is inspirational, and for that, you deserve a salute from even the most un-military of us. But when/if you do need support, be assured that you'll have this community with you (less the unavoidable 2% trolls). Get better fast, and here's hoping that left hand will always have the ability to make whatever hand gesture you want at whomever you want. And get back up on that log soon - if anybody here can keep their life balanced, I'm betting on you.
posted by wendell at 1:56 PM on December 24, 2006

Speedy recovery, logboy!
posted by terrapin at 2:01 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes and prayers to you and your mates. Can't wait to see the piccies of you logrolling someday ;)

*salutes*
posted by kalimac at 2:07 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes for both your speedy recovery and your future.
posted by TheDonF at 2:11 PM on December 24, 2006

Godspeed, Logboy.

side note ... MeFi could use a method of charitable giving ... something along the lines of the Penny-Arcade guy's Child's Play.
posted by frogan at 2:12 PM on December 24, 2006

Is it ok to salute if I'm not a soldier? I have no idea what to type and the salute seems to sum it up perfectly.

*salute*
posted by hoborg at 3:21 PM on December 24, 2006

Thank you, Logboy, for your hard work over there. Merry Christmas.

...and may you all come home soon...
posted by rossination at 3:50 PM on December 24, 2006

Good luck, logboy! You're a helluva guy for having such spirit in the face of adversity.
posted by snsranch at 5:19 PM on December 24, 2006

Good luck to you, rapid healing and my hopes and prayers are with you for a safe, happy and healthy 2007.
posted by Lynsey at 5:22 PM on December 24, 2006

Best to you and those you love, Logboy; I know they're happy to have you home again.
posted by faineant at 5:52 PM on December 24, 2006

To a brighter tomorrow. Cheers. Thank you, logboy.
posted by geekyguy at 6:25 PM on December 24, 2006

Best wishes to you and your loved ones, Logboy, and I hope you come through this.
posted by flashboy at 6:32 PM on December 24, 2006

Good man yourself, Logboy. A speedy recovery and a happy welcome home to you.
posted by Divine_Wino at 6:33 PM on December 24, 2006

I was bummed to hear this earlier today and I hope you have a speedy recovery logboy.
posted by mathowie at 7:10 PM on December 24, 2006

Heal up, Logboy. I wish you well.
posted by spork at 7:19 PM on December 24, 2006

I was hoping it would have been minor enough of an injury to send him home (and thus avoid death) but it looks like he lost part of his arm :( That sucks.
posted by delmoi at 9:56 PM on December 24, 2006

I am impressed by your courage. Best wishes.
posted by Mhead at 10:06 PM on December 24, 2006

You're in the thoughts of this military brat, logboy. Thank you.
posted by padraigin at 10:29 PM on December 24, 2006

Logboy, here's to a speedy recovery.

Merry Christmas, soldier.
posted by jason's_planet at 10:54 PM on December 24, 2006

Heal as best you can. In body and spirit. And come home to us soon.
posted by tkchrist at 11:39 PM on December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas. I hope the new year goes better for you.
posted by IronLizard at 12:38 AM on December 25, 2006

Take care, man. And thanks.
posted by Cyrano at 4:42 AM on December 25, 2006

logboy, you are an American hero. I *salute* your service and you. Best wishes for your recovery.

America is stronger and better because there are people like you. Thank you.
posted by davidmsc at 7:09 AM on December 25, 2006

take care, logboy--i'm sorry we put you and all others in such harm's way.
posted by amberglow at 7:32 AM on December 25, 2006

Here's wishing you the holiday gift of a speedy recovery.
posted by caddis at 9:50 AM on December 25, 2006

I was going to say something about the inadequacy of words, but then matteo made me eat that, so I guess it's just the inadequacy of my words.

Be well.
posted by Skorgu at 10:21 AM on December 25, 2006

:-(. I hope that you can find some way to enjoy this Christmas.

If you ever need a place to crash or to have a beer in Chicago, let me know.
posted by rbs at 6:43 PM on December 25, 2006

Best wishes and hope you are back up on your log soon.
posted by gomichild at 7:06 PM on December 25, 2006

Take care, and best wishes. Thank you.
posted by SirStan at 7:39 PM on December 25, 2006

Good luck. Speedy recovery. Thank you for your service.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:51 PM on December 25, 2006

Best wishes to you logboy.
posted by goshling at 9:47 PM on December 25, 2006

Ditto to all the good stuff here.
posted by The Deej at 9:56 PM on December 25, 2006

Logboy, I wish you a quick recovery and admire your courage in the face of adversity. Best wishes.
posted by alltomorrowsparties at 10:55 PM on December 25, 2006

Good luck, take care of yourself and here's to a speedy recovery. logboy!
posted by LeeJay at 11:00 PM on December 25, 2006

Thank you, Logoby. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
posted by mds35 at 5:50 AM on December 26, 2006

All my best, logboy. You & your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
posted by SoulOnIce at 11:00 AM on December 26, 2006

Good luck to you and your friends, logboy.
posted by Snyder at 11:21 AM on December 26, 2006

Be well.
posted by merelyglib at 11:47 AM on December 26, 2006

May you get back to competitive log rolling soon!
posted by jasper411 at 12:23 PM on December 26, 2006

Best of luck to you, and thank you for making a sacrifice for something so important to you.
posted by crazyray at 12:34 PM on December 26, 2006

Is it ok to salute if I'm not a soldier? I have no idea what to type and the salute seems to sum it up perfectly.

In meatspace you shouldn't - it's inappropriate for soldiers to salute civilians since you're not entitled to the salute and by rendering it to them you introduce confusion. Are you out of uniform and maybe someone they should return the salute to? Plus it's rarely looked upon positively, at least by the soldiers I know and have known - they think it's ridiculous when civilians salute them.

I am pretty sure the point it makes here is clearer, though, and the intent appreciated. Best wishes for your recovery, Logboy.
posted by phearlez at 6:02 PM on December 26, 2006

Dear logboy I'm sorry you were injured and glad you were not killed. I hope you're not in too much pain. In case you're reading this, you might need some practical tips on the amputation recovery process. Here are some links that may be useful: Coping with ampuation. People with amputation can struggle with neuropathy or pain management . These videos may help. Pain Management for the Lower-Limb Amputee. A TENS unit can be beneficial (and affordable) for pain management.

If it's okay with your doc, I'd like to suggest the supplement glutamine (Mega Glutamine from GNC is the best I found) for nerve pain and nerve healing.

Pain killers can be hard on the digestive system. Rather than take Colace, which doesn't really work that well and has unpleasant side effects, you might ask your doc if taking magnesium citrate is ok. It's beneficial in the healing of blood vessels as well.

Wishing you well on your recovery journey.

In this MetaFilter comment, he expressed concern about deadly IEDs.

Photo of logboy, JR Salzman, from his site.
posted by nickyskye at 6:15 PM on December 26, 2006 [1 favorite]

PS more pics of logboy.
posted by nickyskye at 6:27 PM on December 26, 2006

Whoa! That first pic from nickyskye's link of logboy showing off his skills is amazing! You can see his determination, and the fact that he is absolutely rolled cold steel muscle.

I'd want him on my side in any fight!

Bless you logboy!
posted by The Deej at 9:13 AM on December 27, 2006

Logboy, get better so you can teach me how to do that log thing (i'll teach you how to write lefthanded in exchange if you're not a leftie already) : >
posted by amberglow at 1:09 PM on December 27, 2006

Logboy. ESPN!! Good luck LogBoy.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 5:55 PM on December 27, 2006

Wow, thanks for the link JohnnyGunn, and thanks for finding the pics, nickyskye ... it would seem that if anyone has the wherewithal and guts to make the most of this awful situation, it will be him. And Logboy, when you get around to reading this, we are rooting for you!
posted by madamjujujive at 7:20 PM on December 27, 2006

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Logboy.
posted by klausness at 7:02 AM on January 1, 2007

Logboy update from his blog:
Minor Setback
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
11:09:05 PM

Hey all. sorry for the crappy grammar. its hard to type with only two working fingers. thanks again for all the well wishers sending emails, and the threads at blackfive, metafilter, littlegreenfootballs, and other weblogs. i cant believe the outpouring of support for me. i think it is unbelievable. i still have hundreds of emails to read.

Yesterday i learned my ring finger on my left hand needs to be amputated. it is beyond repair, with shattered bones and severed nerves (i havent been able to feel it since before the ied blast that took my arm). i have some other numbness in my hand that will hopefully go away when they amputate it, remove its bones in my hand, and slide my pinky finger over to take its place. i will let you all know how surgery goes next week.

therapy is going very well on my amputated right arm. i honestly enjoy working out every morning at physical therapy. i cant wait till my right arm is ready to be fitted a prosthesis so it is more than just a stump. all in good time i have to remind myself.
posted by madamjujujive at 8:57 PM on January 3, 2007

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