Marine Lance Corporal, Justin Reynolds, grew up knowing one day he would fight for his country, and fight he did. Justin continues to smile and laugh, but his fight has moved from overseas to Shawnee Manor nursing home. During his third tour in Iraq, Justin was injured when an IED went off, sending shrapnel into his knee, later leading to a virus that attacked his brain.
Justin's mother, Ann Reynolds, takes each day in stride and with a smile on her face. She says they use humor to get through each day, and adds that she has learned to take nothing for granted. For Justin's older sister Kim, the journey has been long as well. From being proud when Justin joined the Marines, to his injury, and every day since, Kim has made it through with her family thanks to Justin's winning personality.
Over the past five years at Shawnee Manor, Justin's constant smiles and fun loving personality has also won the hearts of the nursing staff, who have become family. Many of the nursing staff that work with Justin and his family come together over the holidays and watch out for one another even when not at the nursing home. The staff's patriotic gratefulness goes beyond Memorial Day, as Justin's continual fight reminds them a Marine never gives up.
Justin's battle is looking up as he recently received a Baclofen Pump to help with spasticity problems which could help him use his hands and eventually allow him to talk again.
