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Gentlemen:
On Friday, July 9th , I just took my first steps without my wheelchair, albeit with the aid of a cane and walker. The hospital
rental company picked up the hospital bed on Saturday, and with that, another chapter began in my life.
I want to tell all of you how deeply my wife Mary Ann and I appreciated your support and many kindnesses during the last four months since my accident at Bentonville. We have
received scores of cards, phone calls, books, visits (both at the house and at the hospital), e-mails, a mechanical horse (thank you, Martin) and even meals. In addition, both the Legion Staff and the Regiment provided very considerable financial support which has helped my family a great deal.
It will not be until the end of the year that I will feel confident enough in my physical capabilities to attend any events. However, it is my intent to return to active duty on 1 January 2011 to commence what will prove to be a memorable (and probably, my last) re-enactor cycle. It will be made all the more memorable by the knowledge that I almost lost everything back in March, but was brought back from the brink by God, my family, and by my friends.
Thank you again for all of your support.
Mike Wenger
On Friday, July 9th , I just took my first steps without my wheelchair, albeit with the aid of a cane and walker. The hospital
rental company picked up the hospital bed on Saturday, and with that, another chapter began in my life.I want to tell all of you how deeply my wife Mary Ann and I appreciated your support and many kindnesses during the last four months since my accident at Bentonville. We have
received scores of cards, phone calls, books, visits (both at the house and at the hospital), e-mails, a mechanical horse (thank you, Martin) and even meals. In addition, both the Legion Staff and the Regiment provided very considerable financial support which has helped my family a great deal.It will not be until the end of the year that I will feel confident enough in my physical capabilities to attend any events. However, it is my intent to return to active duty on 1 January 2011 to commence what will prove to be a memorable (and probably, my last) re-enactor cycle. It will be made all the more memorable by the knowledge that I almost lost everything back in March, but was brought back from the brink by God, my family, and by my friends.
Thank you again for all of your support.
Mike Wenger
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday May 5, 2010
It is my understanding that Mike has been allowed to go home...things are progressing (but, I am sure not
as fast as Mike would want)...
Please keep him and his family in your prayers as he begins the road to full recovery...
Cards, etc. can be sent to:
Mike Wenger
2438 Medway Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27608
919-833-4734
wengerm@mindspring.com
For our friend Mike,
Skip Smith
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday April 25, 2010
To the Officers, Men, and Civilians of the Carolina Legion...
Dear friends,
Now that I am a bit more able to get about in a wheelchair and use my laptop computer, I want
to take the opportunity this morning to thank you folks for your thoughtfulness and many
kindnesses over the past five weeks. The calls, cards, visits and reading materials have all
helped me to cope with my injuries and time in the hospital. The cheer you have brought into
this old man’s heart is immeasurable and will be remembered for the rest of my life.
Jeff forwarded a check representing your donations to my “deducible fund,” which will help
us enormously (we’ve almost paid off the anesthesiologist, bless his heart). Your generosity
touched me deeply, particularly in light of the difficult economy which affects us all.
Many, many thanks.
I have been transferred into the rehab hospital at WakeMed. Work on my left knee starts
tomorrow, so if you hear yelps and howls in the direction of Wake County, don’t be alarmed.
I will stay here for about two more weeks, working primarily on transfers from bed, to wheelchair,
to potty chair, etc.
The hospital stay will be followed by 2-3 weeks at the house to continue strengthening and work
on transfers into a vehicle. After that period, I should finally be ready to put weight on my pelvis
and legs, and then learn how to walk again, using outpatient therapy for that.
Although a long and perhaps difficult road lies ahead, I will be buoyed by the thoughts, prayers,
and kindness of my friends in the Legion.
Again, many heartfelt thanks…
Mike Wenger
-----------------------------------------
Thursday April 22, 8:00pm
Thursday April 15, 5:00pm
To All,
Mike continues to get better but he has a long way to go....I just this week learned about the
number of broken bones he is dealing with - 20 in the rib cage and 6 in the pelvis...plus his
knee is messed up...needless to say he is in a lot of pain...he has started rehab and will be
in the hospital up to six weeks more...
Please keep Mike and his family in your prayers...
Skip
-------------------------------
FRIDAY APRIL 9, 4:00pm
MIKE IS OUT OF ICU!!!!
He is doing pretty well...off the ventilator and sedation...still on some pain medicine...hopes
are to get him moving around some tomorrow in a wheelchair...
Here is the correct address:
Wake Medical - Raleigh Campus
3000 New Bern Ave.
Mike Wenger - Room 6C25
Raleigh, NC 27610
His phone is : 919-350-8000 (Room 6C25)
For our Friend,
Skip
---------------------------
Tuesday April 6, 7:27PM
Sunday, March 28, 8:30pm
There has been no significant change in Mike's condition over the weekend. Joe Slifer, of Reilly's Battery, managed
to visit at the SICU over the weekend and found him much as previously reported; still on the ventilator and unconscious.
I do thank each of you for your continued concern and prayers. I have received over 200 email inquiries and dozens of
phone calls over the last week from Mike's many friends and comrades.
It is my understanding that Mike has been allowed to go home...things are progressing (but, I am sure not
as fast as Mike would want)...
Please keep him and his family in your prayers as he begins the road to full recovery...
Cards, etc. can be sent to:
Mike Wenger
2438 Medway Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27608
919-833-4734
wengerm@mindspring.com
For our friend Mike,
Skip Smith
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday April 25, 2010
To the Officers, Men, and Civilians of the Carolina Legion...
Dear friends,
Now that I am a bit more able to get about in a wheelchair and use my laptop computer, I want
to take the opportunity this morning to thank you folks for your thoughtfulness and many
kindnesses over the past five weeks. The calls, cards, visits and reading materials have all
helped me to cope with my injuries and time in the hospital. The cheer you have brought into
this old man’s heart is immeasurable and will be remembered for the rest of my life.
Jeff forwarded a check representing your donations to my “deducible fund,” which will help
us enormously (we’ve almost paid off the anesthesiologist, bless his heart). Your generosity
touched me deeply, particularly in light of the difficult economy which affects us all.
Many, many thanks.
I have been transferred into the rehab hospital at WakeMed. Work on my left knee starts
tomorrow, so if you hear yelps and howls in the direction of Wake County, don’t be alarmed.
I will stay here for about two more weeks, working primarily on transfers from bed, to wheelchair,
to potty chair, etc.
The hospital stay will be followed by 2-3 weeks at the house to continue strengthening and work
on transfers into a vehicle. After that period, I should finally be ready to put weight on my pelvis
and legs, and then learn how to walk again, using outpatient therapy for that.
Although a long and perhaps difficult road lies ahead, I will be buoyed by the thoughts, prayers,
and kindness of my friends in the Legion.
Again, many heartfelt thanks…
Mike Wenger
-----------------------------------------
Thursday April 22, 8:00pm
Mike has been moved to a rehabilitation wing of Wake Medical Center. The previously supplied
mailing address is the same, however his room number is now: 2D02 and his direct
phone number is: (919) 350-3635.
mailing address is the same, however his room number is now: 2D02 and his direct
phone number is: (919) 350-3635.
Mike has commenced a structured regime of physical therapy so that he may begin regaining mobility.
He continues to suffer from significant pain and discomfort but I believe he is relieved that he has
begun the process of recovery. He is much more like himself now when talking with him and I have
heard much the same from those who have paid recent visits to the hospital.
He continues to suffer from significant pain and discomfort but I believe he is relieved that he has
begun the process of recovery. He is much more like himself now when talking with him and I have
heard much the same from those who have paid recent visits to the hospital.
The family is facing significant out of pocket expenses so I renew my request to you on their behalf
for any financial donations that you may be able to make, as outlined in prior posts, by way of the
funds established for him or directly to the Wenger family.
for any financial donations that you may be able to make, as outlined in prior posts, by way of the
funds established for him or directly to the Wenger family.
Future updates on Mike's progress will now be posted directly to the Carolina Legion
website www.carolinalegion.com rather than by direct emails.
website www.carolinalegion.com rather than by direct emails.
Thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers and for standing by our mutual friend and comrade.
Cordially,
Jeff Stepp
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Thursday April 15, 5:00pm
To All,
Mike continues to get better but he has a long way to go....I just this week learned about the
number of broken bones he is dealing with - 20 in the rib cage and 6 in the pelvis...plus his
knee is messed up...needless to say he is in a lot of pain...he has started rehab and will be
in the hospital up to six weeks more...
Please keep Mike and his family in your prayers...
Skip
-------------------------------
FRIDAY APRIL 9, 4:00pm
MIKE IS OUT OF ICU!!!!
He is doing pretty well...off the ventilator and sedation...still on some pain medicine...hopes
are to get him moving around some tomorrow in a wheelchair...
Here is the correct address:
Wake Medical - Raleigh Campus
3000 New Bern Ave.
Mike Wenger - Room 6C25
Raleigh, NC 27610
His phone is : 919-350-8000 (Room 6C25)
For our Friend,
Skip
---------------------------
Tuesday April 6, 7:27PM
This morning Mike's intubation tube was removed and he is now completely free of the ventilator
and breathing on his on as well as awake and complaining of being hungry! If there's one thing
I know about Mike and his usual self - it's his bottomless pitt of an appetite! He is also now free
of his cervical collar which had been left in place since his admission as a way to keep him immobilized
since they were unsure of the potential of a neck fracture. X-rays from the last several days have
finally ruled that troubling possibility out.
and breathing on his on as well as awake and complaining of being hungry! If there's one thing
I know about Mike and his usual self - it's his bottomless pitt of an appetite! He is also now free
of his cervical collar which had been left in place since his admission as a way to keep him immobilized
since they were unsure of the potential of a neck fracture. X-rays from the last several days have
finally ruled that troubling possibility out.
The relief in Mary Ann's voice today was palpable and I am so happy that her immediate worries have
at least now been greatly eased. It is hoped that Mike will be transferred out of Surgical ICU within the
next few days if all continues to go well.
at least now been greatly eased. It is hoped that Mike will be transferred out of Surgical ICU within the
next few days if all continues to go well.
I thank each and every one of you for the prayers and support offered for Mike. Let's keep it up!
J.H. Stepp
---------------------------------
Tuesday April 6, 4:40PM
Great News!
The sedation has been allowed to wear off, Mike has awakened. The endotracheal tube was removed, and
he is breathing on his own. He is talking, albeit with considerable hoarseness.
He told Jeff(Stepp) that he wanted to go to lunch!
Yours in the Cause,
Paul De Sessa
Carolina Legion Hospital
-------------------------------------
Monday April 5, 5:30PM
Here is the latest...
As of this morning, the doctors took Mike off the ventilator, but left the tube in...
He has also been on sedation since the surgery (plus several days before)...his wife wishing to communicate
with him asked that this be lessened...Mike was able to open his eyes and recognized Mary Ann...he
was also able to squeeze her hand but, being still being in almost unbearable pain, the Drs put him back on sedation...
This is all we know at this point...we hope that he will continue to gain strength where he can breathe
on his own and thus remain off the ventilator...
For our Friend Mike,
Skip
------------------------------------
Friday April 2, 9:00PM
Mike has came out of surgery OK...they have him setting up some (but not all the way)...the infection that
caused the doctors to put him back on the ventilator has cleared up but, he is still on the ventilator...this is
a major concern for Mike, for if he does not come off soon, he might have to have a tracheostomy...please
pray that his lungs will continue to heal so that he can come off the ventilator.
Skip Smith
--------------------------------
Wed. March 31, 8:30 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Tuesday April 6, 4:40PM
Great News!
The sedation has been allowed to wear off, Mike has awakened. The endotracheal tube was removed, and
he is breathing on his own. He is talking, albeit with considerable hoarseness.
He told Jeff(Stepp) that he wanted to go to lunch!
Yours in the Cause,
Paul De Sessa
Carolina Legion Hospital
-------------------------------------
Monday April 5, 5:30PM
Here is the latest...
As of this morning, the doctors took Mike off the ventilator, but left the tube in...
He has also been on sedation since the surgery (plus several days before)...his wife wishing to communicate
with him asked that this be lessened...Mike was able to open his eyes and recognized Mary Ann...he
was also able to squeeze her hand but, being still being in almost unbearable pain, the Drs put him back on sedation...
This is all we know at this point...we hope that he will continue to gain strength where he can breathe
on his own and thus remain off the ventilator...
For our Friend Mike,
Skip
------------------------------------
Friday April 2, 9:00PM
Mike has came out of surgery OK...they have him setting up some (but not all the way)...the infection that
caused the doctors to put him back on the ventilator has cleared up but, he is still on the ventilator...this is
a major concern for Mike, for if he does not come off soon, he might have to have a tracheostomy...please
pray that his lungs will continue to heal so that he can come off the ventilator.
Skip Smith
--------------------------------
Wed. March 31, 8:30 PM
Mike came through his surgery OK today. It took about 5 hours to place various screws and metal plates
needed to repair his pelvic fractures. He did develop a respiratory infection yesterday that required him
to be placed upon the ventilator again and he remains so at this hour, but it is hoped tomorrow that he will
be able to have that removed and his body placed in an upright position for the first time since the accident.
If so, he should be able to talk again by weeks end. Obviously, today was a very important one for Mike's
ultimate recovery and I know we all fervently wish him many more such successful days.
J.H. Stepp
----------------------------------------
Monday, March 29, 9:30pm
I spoke with Mike's wife, Mary Ann, earlier today and she advised that they have turned the ventilator off
and Mike is breathing on his on now. He remains intubated as they wish to determine if he can sustain
normal respiratory function awhile before removing it for good. The plans, barring any complications, are
for his pelvic surgery to be conducted within the next 24-48 hours.
and Mike is breathing on his on now. He remains intubated as they wish to determine if he can sustain
normal respiratory function awhile before removing it for good. The plans, barring any complications, are
for his pelvic surgery to be conducted within the next 24-48 hours.
Our good friend continues to hang in there -- let us continue to pray and hope for the best possible resolution for him.
I don't know about you, but this news relieves me greatly!
J.H. Stepp
----------------------------------------------Sunday, March 28, 8:30pm
There has been no significant change in Mike's condition over the weekend. Joe Slifer, of Reilly's Battery, managed
to visit at the SICU over the weekend and found him much as previously reported; still on the ventilator and unconscious.
I do thank each of you for your continued concern and prayers. I have received over 200 email inquiries and dozens of
phone calls over the last week from Mike's many friends and comrades.
I am developing some specific suggestions for what we might do now to be of help to Mike and his family which I hope
to share with you in the upcoming week. In the meantime, pray that he may regain enough lung function to soon
undergo his much needed surgery.
to share with you in the upcoming week. In the meantime, pray that he may regain enough lung function to soon
undergo his much needed surgery.
Regards . . .
J.H. Stepp
-------------------------------Thursday, March 25, 5:00PM
Mike is still under sedation and intubated. Immediate concern has shifted from the pelvic injuries to his lungs. While the one
which was punctured has sealed and re-inflated, both are badly bruised and not functioning as well as would be desired. Until
the later condition improves needed surgery for the pelvic injuries will not be attempted.
which was punctured has sealed and re-inflated, both are badly bruised and not functioning as well as would be desired. Until
the later condition improves needed surgery for the pelvic injuries will not be attempted.
While understandably anxious, Mary Ann and the boys are holding up well.
There will likely be little I can report to you of additional substance until such time as he is off the ventilator, which may be
several more days off if all goes well. Visitors are restricted to family members at this time and flowers are not allowed in the
Surgical ICU unit so you may wish to wait sending anything to the hospital at this time.
several more days off if all goes well. Visitors are restricted to family members at this time and flowers are not allowed in the
Surgical ICU unit so you may wish to wait sending anything to the hospital at this time.
We must earnestly pray that no additional complications beset our friend for he is engaged in a mighty struggle.
J.H. Stepp
-----------------------Headquarters Southern Division
Fort Washington Maryland
23 March 2010
Gentlemen,
Major Mike Wenger, Chief of Staff of the Carolina Legion, suffered a most unfortunate accident near the conclusion of the
Bentonville event this past Sunday. As I understand it, the Major's mount spooked, reared, and fell back upon him. As a
result, Major Wenger suffered multiple pelvic fractures, a punctured lung, and has had some internal bleeding. At latest
report (this afternoon) Major Wenger underwent surgery to repair his pelvic injuries. The doctors however did not
complete the procedure due to concern over his strength. The procedure will be completed after he regains his strength.
He has of course been in rather severe pain, mainly due to the punctured lung.
Bentonville event this past Sunday. As I understand it, the Major's mount spooked, reared, and fell back upon him. As a
result, Major Wenger suffered multiple pelvic fractures, a punctured lung, and has had some internal bleeding. At latest
report (this afternoon) Major Wenger underwent surgery to repair his pelvic injuries. The doctors however did not
complete the procedure due to concern over his strength. The procedure will be completed after he regains his strength.
He has of course been in rather severe pain, mainly due to the punctured lung.
Brigadier General Stepp reports that Major Wenger has kept his irrepressible sense of humor through this ordeal, a
primary question of his being "did someone shoot that damned horse?".
primary question of his being "did someone shoot that damned horse?".
The Cmdg Gen'l has sent Major Wenger some reading material for his pleasure during his recuperation/hospital stay.
We have also sent flowers on behalf of the entire Southern Division.
We have also sent flowers on behalf of the entire Southern Division.
Captain Benson, Carolina Legion, is posting updates on Major Wengers' condition on the
Carolina Legion site: www.carolinalegion.com.
Instructions are located on the site if you desire to send your best wishes.
Carolina Legion site: www.carolinalegion.com.
Instructions are located on the site if you desire to send your best wishes.
I also request that 2nd Brigade Battalion Commanders disseminate this information to their commands.
Please keep the Major in your prayers,
Respectfully,
R. Watters
Adjutant Southern Division
Maj. Watters & Gentlemen of the 2nd Brigade:
On behalf of Maj. J.M. Wenger, his family, and the Officer's & Men of the 1st Brigade Southern Division, allow me
to extend our appreciation for your expressions of concern and regard, as well as for your continued prayers.
to extend our appreciation for your expressions of concern and regard, as well as for your continued prayers.
Tonight Mike has been sedated and is on a ventilator in order to allow him to regain enough strength to undergo needed
surgery. As you may imagine, it is particularly difficult now that family and friends cannot communicate with him directly.
It is anticipated that he will remain intubated for 3-4 days, but perhaps longer should additional complications become a
factor.
surgery. As you may imagine, it is particularly difficult now that family and friends cannot communicate with him directly.
It is anticipated that he will remain intubated for 3-4 days, but perhaps longer should additional complications become a
factor.
I know my comrade and friend of over 20 years is uniquely equipped to prevail in this struggle armed as he is with the
sincere convictions of his faith, the love of his family, and the admiration and support of his contemporaries within our
mutual avocation.
sincere convictions of his faith, the love of his family, and the admiration and support of his contemporaries within our
mutual avocation.
By copy of this post, I request that Capt. Benson post your message and this reply upon the Carolina Legion website.
I will do my best to keep all informed, and thank you again for your kindness. Feel free to share information from me
regarding Mike, to any you feel would desire knowledge of it.
regarding Mike, to any you feel would desire knowledge of it.
Cordially,
J.H. Stepp, Cmd'g 1st Brigade
Southern Division
--------------------------------Tuesday, March 23, 2010 5:17 PM
I spoke with Mary Ann Wenger earlier this evening and she advised that after enduring more than 3 hours of surgery it was
determined it would be best to conserve his strength and accomplish but a part of the necessary procedure. Mike is on
intubation now to allow him to rest more completely and when his strength is better secured additional surgery will be
performed to correct the pelvic injuries.
determined it would be best to conserve his strength and accomplish but a part of the necessary procedure. Mike is on
intubation now to allow him to rest more completely and when his strength is better secured additional surgery will be
performed to correct the pelvic injuries.
Every time I send one of these updates out I consider, after the fact, someone who should have been included; so I hope you
folks will help me to share this information and forward it to those you feel would wish to have it.
folks will help me to share this information and forward it to those you feel would wish to have it.
The family wishes me to extend their thanks for all of the expressions of concern and support. I know Mike must feel the
same for he has demonstrated his own caring concern for us on many...many occasions.
same for he has demonstrated his own caring concern for us on many...many occasions.
J.H. Stepp
--------------------------Monday, March 22, 2010 5:17 PM
Mike has been in surgery this date since about 1330hrs and remains so at this hour to evaluate and repair the pelvic fractures he sustained. He has had continued and considerable discomfort up until his departure for surgery, primarily from the cracked ribs, but bears up with his irrepressible positive outlook.
Well wishes can be directed to him as follows:
Jon Michael Wenger
Surgical Intensive Care
Wake Medical Raleigh Campus
3000 New Bern Ave
Raleigh NC 27610
or by email utilizing the link below
I have conveyed to his wife, Mary Ann, the knowledge of the 166 emails and dozens of telephone calls I have received since Mike's unfortunate accident yesterday from his many friends and comrades.
J.H. Stepp
-----------------------------------------
Date: Monday, March 22, 2010 6:38 AM
Gentlemen:
I am aware that comrades of many decades as well as those of more recent acquaintance will remain anxious about Mike and will be there for him and his family during this ordeal. I will keep you informed as best I can and have asked Capt. Benson to post relevant info on the Carolina Legion website, www.carolinalegion.com
Our Surgeon, Paul DeSessa will endeavor to monitor Mike's condition and keep us posted as well. Mike is in ICU at Wake Medical Hospital on New Bern Ave in Raleigh - 919.350.8000. I'd say that for the time being calls and messages should be confined to Mike's home number 919-833-4734 where sons, Jake & Joel, can field things and keep Mary Ann informed of the concern of all.
Mike was pretty banged up but his spirit and regard for you all remains undiminished.
J.H. Stepp
-------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:53:30
All,
By way of update, in addition to the injuries outlined in an earlier post (fractured pelvis, several fractured ribs), I would add that Mike also sustained a collapsed lung. He was transferred from ER to ICU about 8:15pm last evening. He has remained aware and alert, despite obvious discomfort and pain. His usual ebullient spirit prevails so indicated by his first question ofme, "Did somebody shoot that damn horse?" Followed with one so typical of his constant concern for you, his comrades, "Did it rain out the battle?"
I will keep you posted as things progress and Paul DeSessa has promised to monitor Mike's progress as well. I'm sure Paul will report with greater descriptive power than I could possibly summon regarding Mike's condition and prognosis when he can.
Mike's wife, Mary Ann, and sons' Jake and Joel have things well in hand and are bearing up pretty well. Please pray for them and our dear friend.
Jimmy Benson, would you ensure this gets distributed to the entire staff, as widely as possible among members of the Legion, leadership of the Southern Division and our Bentonville division as you can.
J.H. Stepp
-------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:53:30
All,
By way of update, in addition to the injuries outlined in an earlier post (fractured pelvis, several fractured ribs), I would add that Mike also sustained a collapsed lung. He was transferred from ER to ICU about 8:15pm last evening. He has remained aware and alert, despite obvious discomfort and pain. His usual ebullient spirit prevails so indicated by his first question ofme, "Did somebody shoot that damn horse?" Followed with one so typical of his constant concern for you, his comrades, "Did it rain out the battle?"
I will keep you posted as things progress and Paul DeSessa has promised to monitor Mike's progress as well. I'm sure Paul will report with greater descriptive power than I could possibly summon regarding Mike's condition and prognosis when he can.
Mike's wife, Mary Ann, and sons' Jake and Joel have things well in hand and are bearing up pretty well. Please pray for them and our dear friend.
Jimmy Benson, would you ensure this gets distributed to the entire staff, as widely as possible among members of the Legion, leadership of the Southern Division and our Bentonville division as you can.
J.H. Stepp