Marine severely injured in Iraq wants to stay in service

LUNA PIER, Mich. - It was a phone call all Marines' parents dread: Their son had been seriously injured in combat.

But Lance Cpl. Corey Smith, 19, of Luna Pier, who lost his left foot and sustained shrapnel injures to both his legs, buttocks, ear, and stomach in Iraq, still wants to return to service in the war-torn country.

Corporal Smith was transported to a hospital in Germany on Tuesday night. He underwent stomach surgery yesterday to remove some remaining shrapnel.

Ronnie and Renee Smith, of Luna Pier, received the news Monday, the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

A mortar attack outside Ramadi caused the injuries that led doctors to amputate Corporal Smith's left foot about four inches above the ankle.

His parents will meet him tomorrow in Washington. The Marine Corps will pay their travel expenses.

Read the rest at the Toledo Blade