In the spring of 2010, Sgt. James was preparing his men for their deployment to Afghanistan. He was happy with the way his Marines were performing and progressing on the gun range.

"I am real content with my Marines right now," he said.

As their trainer, he is responsible for making sure each Marine is proficient with the equipment they will be using downrange, because for many of them it is the first time using new equipment.

Jump to October 2010, and all that changed. James was wounded by an IED blast, which left his right leg badly injured and forced him to amputate his left leg.. We met him in the hospital and he was anticipating many surgeries on his right leg as well as healing all the other wounds caused by the blast. He was very upbeat despite his injuries and said that if people chose to send him notes of kindness he would surely read them. He has loved your cards and letters.

When he was granted recuperative leave in May he visited a school in his hometown where the students had 'adopted' him. They were honored to have a hero in their presence, and he shared his motivation to serve his country and his thanks for all their concerns.

He was the highlight of an assembly where he answered all kinds of questions. He showed the group his leg as he sat on the edge of the stage and held it up for them. He helped design his own prosthetic foot and talked about how he now wants to return to school and become a specialist in prosthetics to help others with their intricacies. It has become his dream and he encouraged the students to follow their own dreams.

Visiting the school with James was his dad, a Marine Corps veteran, and Stan, a friend who has been with him during his entire recovery. The visit included a lunch specially set up for students whose parents are also serving on active duty. James led a discussion on what the families are experiencing and he helped the students gain some perspective on what it's like for the families he encountered in Afghanistan.

James then presented a plaque to the school and the students with a personal note of thanks for all they have done for him. Their hero did not disappoint. Ooh-Rah James for taking some of your leave time to educate others and to let them see what a real hero is like, up close and personal.

If you would like to write to James, send your cards and letters to the address below:

Sgt. James CLB-2
c/o Operation PAL
PO Box 670328
Marietta, GA 30066