Gomez family wants injured soldier moved Father, sister solicit Durbin's support.(News)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), April, 2005 | by Fuller, James

Byline: James Fuller Daily Herald Staff Writer Families and friends of a paralyzed Iraq war veteran from Wheaton say they fear he will die if he doesn't get better medical care. Army Sgt. Joel Gomez became a quadriplegic when his transport vehicle plummeted into a river in Iraq last year.

Sympathy, admiration and charity embraced Gomez upon his return, eventually leading to a successful campaign to build him a new home and secure a handicapped-accessible van. The home is now under construction in Wheaton. But supporters and loved ones fear Gomez, 24, may never see the fruits of that support. He's been hospitalized the past seven weeks, seemingly worsening every day. Gomez entered Hines VA Medical Center in Maywood with a large bed sore at the base of...