Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (IL-15) met at length this week with Troy O’Donley, the Commander of the 1544th Army Transportation Unit based in Paris, IL.  Commander O’Donley has spent nearly three months in Walter Reed Hospital, a Washington D.C. military facility, recovering from injuries he sustained while serving this country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Commander O’Donley is a true American hero,” stated Rep. Johnson.  “He has answered his country’s call; he risked his life and battled enemy forces on Iraqi soil, all in the name of liberty and freedom.  He, along with his fellow Americans on the frontlines of the battlefield, deserves our strongest support, our finest medical attention and most importantly our sincerest prayers.”

Troy O’Donley, 32, is the son of Jim and Carol O’Donley of Yuma, Arizona.  Troy was born and raised in Grayville, IL and graduated from Grayville High School in 1991.  He later attended Illinois State University in Normal and earned a degree in Business Administration in 2002.  Troy currently lives in Bloomington, IL and is employed as a Customer Service Coordinator in the Corporate Office of State Farm Insurance.

In December 2003, Commander O’Donley and the Army’s 1544th Transportation Unit were called to active duty.  The Unit left Paris, IL just before Christmas to undergo training in Kuwait.  After more than two months of battle, Commander O’Donley was injured in a vehicle crash in Iraq.  He sustained two broken legs, a smashed wrist and a dislocated and fractured rib.  Since April 17, 2004, Commander O’Donley has been recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Hospital.  While he still uses as wheelchair for mobility, his ongoing treatment has recently allowed him to begin walking with crutches.

“Unfortunately, war brings injury and sometimes casualty,” said Rep. Johnson.  “Our brave American men and women overcome horrific circumstances every day.  Commander O’Donley represents the finest our country has to offer and our thoughts and prayers are with him through his recovery.”

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