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Injured soldier gets surprise at Springfield Cardinals gameby Linda Russell, https://cms.clickability.com/cms?action=editContent&getLock=Y&contentid=97209254&typeId=1892&filterParams=requireAll%3Dtrue#KY3 News
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A soldier critically injured in Iraq three years got quite a surprise at the Springfield Cardinals game on Friday night. For the first time since the roadside bomb attack that injured him, he was able to see the soldier who saved his life. Army Staff Sgt. Bobby Henline was burned over 38 percent of his body and had his left hand amputated as a result of the attack. He made a trip to Springfield from Texas to support other veterans and, at the ball game, he got more than he expected. Henline shares the story of his roadside bomb attack and years of recovery wherever he goes, even with a little humor. "I've had 41 skin grafts. Basically, they take good skin off your body and they put it somewhere else to replace the burnt skin. They make a skin quilt out of you. Ffriends call me Patch now," said Henline. He hopes to inspire and encourage others in their own struggles. "I believe that's my mission now, that God has given me to give back. He's given me this blessing and his strength to carry on and help others out with my story," Henline said. He's in Springfield to support the Our House Foundation, which helps veterans returning from war and their families. "He's going to be a face. He's also going to be talking to other veterans groups," said Our House Foundation founder Dr. Rita Spilken. He was also a guest of honor at the Springfield Cardinals game. Besides the parade and the standing ovation, Henline got something else that he wasn't expecting yet: a reunion with the soldier who extinguished the flames on his body and began first aid that day in 2007. "They got me; they got me; a big surprise," said Henline. It's the first time they've met in person since the attack. "When we talk on the phone, it gets pretty vivid. I'm remembering everything right now," said SFC Bryant Fowle. "Oh my God, so grateful; me and my family have been wanting to thank him for so long," said Henline. Henline is thankful to still have his life, so he can spend time with his family and carry on. What he knows now is his mission. "I figure if I can help one person out of 100 I talk to, each time, it's worth my time," Henline said. Fowle is stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. He and Henline planned to spend all of Saturday catching up. Henline was the only survivor of the four soldiers in his Humvee, and says, while he was in a coma, he heard voices telling him he was going to be okay, and his family was waiting for him. Before the attack, Henline says he was an atheist but is now a Christian, and he believes God spared his life so he could help others. You can read more about Henline on NPR's Web site. Most Viewed
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