Staff Sgt Jason Ross - Marine

Wow! What a week its been. Jason had his first sled hockey game and it was great! They had nearly a full roster, so there were enough team players to insure rotations and that no one would be totally worn out. The Kings were equally staffed so it was a nice balance. Jason had a couple of nice opportunities to take shots at the goal, and though he did not score, the fact that he was where he needed to be was excellent. Of the players on the Ducks, Jason is probably one of the most improved, and most challenged. Because of his injuries his balance is much different than the other guys, and so it is a bit more difficult for him to maneuver. There is an effort underway, right now, to get him a different sled that would make it a more equal level for him, but that is still a little ways out. The game lasted just a little over an hour and at the end the Ducks had won.... 6 to 0. There were other things going on during this past week, such as his medical appointments, and even a chance to...

Wow! I slipped again. Maybe I'm being directed to do this on Friday, rather than on Thursday. Anyway, it has been a busy week for the Ross household. The girls both moved up a rank with their Taekwondo skills, and the event was pretty cool. There were probably 50 to 60 people in attendance and nearly that many students. Apparently Master Kramers is very well known and respected in the world of martial arts, and he is also an amazing instructor for the girls. We've gotten to know his family, including his wife, son, and mother, but I'm getting off subject. The girls are both one level up and very excited about continuing. Jason is going to sled hockey practice in the morning, and that means we leave the house about 05:30, in the morning and then he will get to work hard and have fun, and I might take a few more pictures. Then tomorrow evening he and the Ducks (the sled hockey team) get to participate with their first league hockey game. We're all excited about this and...

There has been some positive development with Jason's wounds, and I am starting to feel pretty positive that they are finally going to be healed. Of course there are a number of weeks before that is to happen, but it is looking so good right now I feel confident in saying it. We had to have an  adjustment to the prosthetic and it seems to have been the right thing to do. The challenge is that as Jason continues to change in his body shape, the corresponding change needs to be made and there is always a lag time associated with that. The prosthetist and the doctor we are working with seems pretty focused on helping Jason, and so we're pleased at this point. Jason is also making progress with his sled hockey. The coach said he is very pleased with Jason's progress, for only having had four weeks of practice. The photos below show a little of what he looks like on the ice and what his practice runs are. Both Blue-Line drills and stick work are a regular part of their practic...