Veteran taps inner-strength after combat injury

Posted at: 02/15/2010 9:04 PM | Updated at: 02/16/2010 7:30 AM
By: Misa Maruyama, Eyewitness News 4; Taryn Bianchin, KOB.com

Air Force veteran Michael Malarsie

Mike Malarsie, 22, lost his sight after an IED exploded near his patrol in Afghanistan on January 3rd. From the accident, Michael lost his left eye and lost vision in his right eye, but the blast killed four others.

After arriving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, when Michael's doctor told him he would never be able to see again, the doctor asked if he had any questions.

Michael couldn't speak because his jaw was wired shut, so he wrote a note. Michael’s father, Jim Malarsie, describes what happened next.

“As he read it, I physically watched the doctor … almost (get) emotional. Dr. Chun handed me the clipboard and the note said, ‘I want to thank you for everything you had done.’”

Jim Malarsie says the tragedy has shown him his son's true character and that he feels like he's seeing his son for the first time: “His strength and his character are probably the two biggest things that revealed themselves to me.”

Since his injury, Michael is rock climbing, exercising, and navigating through his new life with the support of his family, friends, and even the local community.

A benefit for Michael Malarsie will be held on March 13th, 12 – 7 p.m. at the Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena.

You can learn more about the fundraiser and track Michael's progress on his family's blog.  Http://www.mmalarsie.blogspot.com.

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