James Johnson

?Staff Sergeant James Johnson was born in Lake Charles, LA, in 1977. He graduated from McNeese State University, in Lake Charles, with a B.A. in Elementary Education. James began a career as an elementary teacher before being deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In June of 1996, James married his high school sweetheart Heather. In 2000, their pride and joy, Gracie, was born. When she was three years old, Gracie was diagnosed with Leukemia. She has heroically battled leukemia twice since then. She is now seven years old. "My girls are real heroes. Gracie has fought valiantly for a long time without complaint. Her positive spirit is contagious. Heather has taken on the burden of nursing both of us back to health. She has been the glue that has held us all together. Heather is the love of my life and Gracie is the apple of my eye," says James.

SSG Johnson joined the LA Army National Guard in 1997. His state called upon him to serve through several natural disasters, including forest fire recovery and four hurricanes. During his nine years of service he has deployed to Belize, Central America, and Baghdad, Iraq. He states that of his many military decorations, he is most proud of his Purple Heart. James says, "That is the one I feel I really earned."

James began his deployment to Iraq in May of 2004. On January 10th, 2005, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was riding in was struck by a huge roadside bomb. The blast destroyed the vehicle and killed two soldiers. Four soldiers were severely wounded, including Johnson. All were medevaced to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. James spent the next year recovering from wounds and learning to walk again. He suffered many injuries including a broken knee, four broken bones in his back, shrapnel wounds, inhalation burns, a traumatic brain injury, and a spinal cord injury leaving him partially paralyzed. James believes that he is one of the most blessed people on the planet. He attributes his recovery to many prayers and the loving support of his family. Also, James points out that his fellow soldier and friend for many years, SSG Eric Sessions, helped save his life. "Eric was driving our Bradley. He was the only one that wasn't severely injured. His first thought after the hit was to let the ramp down to let us out, even before saving himself. Because I was awake and trapped back there while the vehicle was burning, I know that I would not have made it had Eric not opened the ramp."

James says of his service, "I am always amazed when someone thanks me for my service. Serving my country has been my honor. People are actually thanking me for doing something that I loved. I wouldn't change a thing that happened to me, and I would do it again tomorrow. The only thing I would change would be the loss of my friends that day. I love my country and I am proud to have had the privilege of serving her."