Hey,

 Well… The past week and a half has really turned really bad for Jessica and I. The CDI (Command Directed Investigation) we were able to get some of our closest family and friends come down for it. I had very low expectations of the CDI but it was WORSE than expected. I did not learn anything new. I felt like I went in and they basically told me I had lost my legs, well I already knew that. The people that briefed us were very kind and very respectful. My wife and I thought the CDI was overrated and pointless because not only did they not tell us anything that we did not already know but they told us thing we did not remember to be correct.

Also yesterday we went to find out the results of me getting the TSGI (Traumatic Special Group Life Insurance).  This is an insurance that is suppose to give financial help to people that lose a limb. Someone can get up to fifty thousand for each limb and a maximum of one hundred thousand dollars.  I was really hoping for the one hundred thousand so Jessica and I can work on building our house. Well sad to say that I was told that I did not qualify for it. Their guidelines exclude injuries that happen from medical reasons. They took their guidelines from the civilian insurance where someone can sue the doctor that makes the mistake. I am in the military where I cannot sue a doctor. Also it excludes because of cases of diabetes and loses of leg, but I am a totally different story. I lost my legs for a totally different reason for which I went in to surgery for and because of a mistake that some doctors made. I was told the only way it could change is if congress was to review  vote for a change.

I was really happy because I had three friends come down from Beale and my mom from Ohio for the CDI.  Last Friday was the first time since I turned 21 that I got to go out and have a guys night, that was a blast. I also got spend some quality time with my sister and mother during last weekend also. Then this week my squadron, group, and wing commanders came down. I got a chance to go out to dinner with them; once again that was a blast too. This week, Sunday, I am flying up to Ohio to go spend Thanksgiving week with my mom.  I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving week!

V/r
Colton Read

 
 


Comments

Shelly Miller (mom)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:17:05

I love you Colton, something will come out of this good for you. I am looking so forward to seeing you!

 

Joseph Miller (step-dad)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:51:17

Colton and Jessica, don't allow all of this to get you down. There are a lot of people that are in your corner. I am sure that something good will come out of this in the end. Just keep pursuing the issue - don't just take no for an answer. You are a fighter, and you know alot of times, you have to keep pursuing an issue for people to realize their mistakes. We are looking forward to seeing the two of you in Ohio. Have a safe and enjoyable trip. :)

 

Terry DeBrow (Nanny)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:59:53

Colton and Jessica - There are always other doors that will open to you. I know they are out there - waiting for you to knock! You both have been such an inspiration for so many of us and literally, the world is watching to see what the Air Force is going to do. OR NOT... DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Those doctors made a mistake,you can forgive mistakes... neglect in their duty to take care of the mistake is what you have to pursue! You are both strong!!!!! Keep the faith!

 

barbaralee & jerzy

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:27:24

colton and jessica, we have anxiously waited for your update...you seem to be on a roller coaster of really good and really not so good things happening in your lives...hang in there...we know..we know it sounds so trite...much good will come out of this...we believe that...remain positive...it seems you have a really great support system..us included...love, barb and jerzy

 

Shane Oberle

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:44:51

I was so sorry to hear that you were wronged yet again. Keep the faith, and good will come out of this. Praying for the right and wonderful outcome for you!
Shane Oberle in Austin, TX (friend of a friend)

 

Sgt. Rob Garcia

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:38:42

Glad to hear you are improving Colton. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all. Dont lose your faith in yourself. We are all pulling for you.

 

Candace

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:24

"With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."


Mark 10:27

 

Jack Morton

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:03:00

Hello Colton;
I know we have never met personally,
however I have tried to keep up with your recovery. I worked with your Granddad in 1978 on the Border Task Force, and also remember your Mother Shelly. Don't be too discourgaged. Things always have a way of working out for the best and with support from your Family and friends I am confident everything will work out..
Your Friend Jack Morton Tx. Ranger (ret.)

 

Fran Drake

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:40:04

So glad to hear that you are doing better. I really hope that congress changes the rules that say you cannot sue the doctors who messed you up. Have news reporters talked to you lately? This is a definate case where a hospital would pay (lots of $) for what they did. The military is trying to cover up. I would get a lawyer.

Fran
San Francisco

 

John Hodge

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:01:21

Airman Read,

I have been following your story since this summer. I am in a MBA/Masters of Health Administration course, and we have been tasked with following stories of interest. I have extremely interested in the Patient Safety issues that your case presents. I hope you find the answers you are due, and I hope you use your story to make healthcare within our military safer for. I appreciate your commitment to our country, and I thank you for your unselfish service. It is an honor to know that people of your integrity are part of our armed forces. Thank you, sir, for all that you have done, and hopefully will continue to do within our military.

 

Cynthia Rodgers

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:23:17

Colton, you are amazing! God Bless you and your loved ones. I wanted to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Mary, NYC

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:15

Hi Colton, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I am sorry that you did not get the news you needed this week, but keep your head up and don't give up. It is so ridiculous that any decisions are being made based on an outdated policy. The doctors and hospital should not be protected from their negligence or providing an acceptable standard level of care. Hopefully when you are feeling up to it you will give a few high profile interviews with the Matt Lauers or someone of your choosing so that your story does not fall through the cracks and you can help impact change. It's not your job to take on your mission, you should focus on healing, but hopefully others will help fight the battle on your behalf if they get as outraged as they should be. You deserve to have the best quality of life possible - your wife and family and friends will take care of your heart and spirit - but the law and the finances need to take care of the rest and others will fight on your behalf for that. Stay positive Colton. And enjoy your visit with your mom. Hopefully you are not a Browns fan or you should probably watch another game on Sunday. ;)

 

Lisa

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:28:13

Colton -
Sorry to hear that you will not be getting the money. Im sure it would have been a great help to you during this time. It makes me angry to hear that the rules are the way they are. I hope that congress take a good look at our health care rules. We should be able to sue our doctors when they mess up as bad as they did in your case. I will be praying for you and your family. Stay strong.

 

Dwayne and Barbara Mercer

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:44:39

Hi Colton,

Sorry that your week went as it did and we hope that the days and weeks ahead will be better. Unfortunately you had to deal with the bureaucratic side of our government. Probably not bad people but just doing what they are told - no thinking allowed.

In this month of Thanksgiving on the other hand, it would appear you still have much going for you. Your health is gradually being restored, you are receiving the very best treatment this country has to offer , you are likely to have a job with great opportunities for many years to come and you have a lot of us praying for both of you every day.

We are not ones who have lost both our legs because of something that never should have happened, but that cannot be undone so you must look forward from here. May God continue to bless you both.

 

SrA Golden

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:22:18

Hey Read,
I'm really sorry to hear that the past couple weeks have been rough for you all. =( My own situation is greatly dwarfed by yours, of course, but suffice to say that I know how disappointing all of the investigations and medical issues with the military can be...

In fact... I will be out at Lackland 9-11 December. I'm not sure where you're all at right now, but if you're in the area still and would like to see a familiar face, shoot an email my way. Things may look bleak right now, but as long as you have hope to hold onto you'll be alright. =) Hang in there.

~Golden

 

Deborah Smith (wife of SSG. Joseph Smith - Wounded Warrior)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:47:17

Colton and Jessica,
We were so happy to have met you both at the Hartford Ski Spec in Breckenridge. Sharing stories of injuries and the trials and tribulations we all have been through is very interesting. Your story just amazes and sickens us. Unbelievable!

As far as the TSGLI, let's work together to fight and get some changes made! We are fighting TSGLI also (for 5 years now) and all because a doctor did NOT document Joey's injuries correctly. Today, like Colton, he cannot walk and has a brain injury. The TSGLI guidelines MUST be changed for these two heroes as well as the rest of our military who have suffered due to their "job."

Keep up the fight! We are here to help and fight right along side you. Keep in touch!

God Bless,
SSG Joseph C. Smith and Deborah Smith

 

barbaralee & jerzy(ret. e7-navy)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:13:49

hi, colton and jessica, just checking in and awaiting the latest....we send you the best and are here for you...love, barb and jerzy

 

Matt Feeney

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:36:35

Colton,

It was an honor to meet you and ski with you last week in Breckenridge. Trying to catch you flying down "Columbia" on Friday was the highlight of my week! I look forward to skiing with you again sometime.
Your attitude and passion for life will continue to serve you well...
Keep it up!
Matt

 



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