SSG. Robert E. Huegel - Age 38 

My name is SSG. Robert E. Huegel and I am an MP.  I'm a squad leader and was on one of my last missions in Baghdad for my unit. We had been in Iraq for one year. 

While conducting route recognition with our relief unit on December 23, 2004, my convoy entered the kill zone of an IED.  My vehicle was the only vehicle hit by the IED.  When the IED exploded, all I could feel was my legs above my knees.  I knew I was probably going to lose my feet but I still kept giving orders to my squad as my driver carried me off. 

When I arrived at Walter Reed Army Medical Center I had my left leg amputated below the knee and also received shrapnel wounds to the right side of my right leg.  There was a time when I wanted it to all end but then I met Cindy McGrew.  She made me realize there were things out there that are important and to not give up.  If there was anything I needed she would bring it to me regardless of what it was or what time of the day. 

I hope my telling you this can help give you hope and not to give up and to realize there are people out there such as Cindy who care and are always giving their heart to the soldiers.