Lance Corp. James Washburn

WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN – Lance Corp. James Washburn of Dresden was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital today to await surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his chest from enemy fire on Friday.

Lance Corp. James Washburn, a 2008 Dresden High School graduate, was shot in the arm and the chest on Friday while serving in Afghanistan for the 0311 Infantry division of the United States Marine Corps.
James was transported to an Air Force Base in Germany on Sunday to await surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his lung.
According to the Marine’s father, Jeff Washburn, James was being sent to the Walter Reed Hospital today for surgery.
“They felt that he was in stable enough condition that the surgery could be performed here in the states. He is still in stable, but guarded condition,” Jeff shared Monday afternoon.
His father said it was too early to tell if James would make a full recovery from his injuries. James and his Marine unit were providing security for a polling place in Nawa, Afghanistan on Friday when Taliban insurgents opened fire on the unit.
Lt. Scott Fleming of Marietta, Ga., who was a member of James’s unit, was killed during the incident.
James received two gunshot wounds. One bullet fractured his upper arm, while the second bullet lodged into his chest. He now has a steel rod in his arm. Jeff said a member of the Navy Corps rescued James and three other people were injured during the incident.
“There were a lot of families affected by this. There are a lot of people to be thanked that James is alive and well today,” Jeff added. James, 20, is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Washburn of Dresden and Pattie and Tracy Nutting of Martin.

WCP 9.21.10