NORTH CAPE MAY – Since his arrival at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Robert Andrezjcak’s mother Delores “Cookie” Wolf has been at his bedside every day.
Andrezjcak, 22, was wounded Jan. 7 during a patrol in Bayji, Iraq. As his company turned a corner during a patrol, an insurgent threw a grenade that exploded on the last vehicle, occupied by Andrezjcak and other soldiers.
Shrapnel from the explosion injured seven passengers, including gunner Andrezjcak whose legs were injured and required removing the leg up to the knee. Injured soldiers reacted with aid to save him. All survived.
Spc. Andrezjcak, of the Infantry Division of Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii was working with his company and the Iraq Police, to assess election-polling sites.
A 2004 graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School, he joined the Army about three years ago and was in his second tour in Iraq.
Among friends and family he is known as “Bronco Bob,” a nickname, solidified by tattoo, his father said which was picked up because his son’s first vehicle was a Ford Bronco.
The family was notified hours after the incident. His mother was on an airplane heading for Texas to attend her stepson’s U.S Air Force graduation.
Andrzeczak was taken to a hospital in Germany Jan. 8 and then to Washington the next day. His family was able to see him shortly after the incident.
“He had flash burns, it was pretty bad,” his father, Joe, told the Herald Jan. 29. “It’s been 22 days now and he’s healed pretty good so far. There’s a big difference since when I first saw him.”
Physically, he is healing. Mentally, those who know him said he is strong.
“His attitude is exceptional. He’s kept a good head about himself. He’s a strong individual. He’ll pull through with flying colors,” his father said.
“His sergeant from a previous tour came and presented the Purple Heart, and it meant a lot to him,” his father said.
“He wants to come home when he is able to walk with the prosthetic, not with crutches,” his mother said.
President Barak Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Mettalica, James Stewart, military colleagues, friends, family and veterans, have visited him.
“We’ve had our good days and bad,” his mother said.
“The wounded soldiers in the vehicle that was hit reacted immediately with buddy aid which helped save Andrezjcak’s life,” Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Raul Gonzalez wrote in a letter to the family.
“Anytime a Wolfhound is injured it is a solemn day, however, there is a silver-lining; the professionalism, courage and calm under pressure displayed by the men of Charlie Company indicate the quality of our pre-deployment training,” Gonzalez wrote.
Joseph Harris, commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44 in Del Haven said the organization is prepared to welcome Andrezjcak with open arms.
“We have some stuff in the works for him, depending how much assistance he’d like to have. Some want some; some want none,” Harris said.
Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck presented a proclamation in honor of Andrezjcak at council’s meeting Feb. 2 and the family was notified that Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) will also have a proclamation from the State Legislature.
The Herald had an opportunity to speak with Andrezjcak Feb. 2, too late for print deadline, however, a subsequent article will include his first-hand comments.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck@cmcherald.com.
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