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Wounded hero claims he was “just doing his job” …
“Sergeant First Class Gordon Ewell’s experience is a combat story worth telling,” begins VFW National Pre-Discharge Claims Representative Michael Jensen. “I think he’s a fine example of the quality of men and women we have in the active military who are defending our country from terrorists around the world.”
Between January and November in 2006, Ewell was embedded a total of 59 times in separate combat missions with Route Clearance Teams throughout Iraq. During these missions, Ewell endured IED attacks, small arms fire and intense mortar and RPG attacks from anti-Iraqi forces.
“The grim results of his combat experiences led him to file for compensation,” explains Jensen. “I met him and his wife Terra when they came to my office to complete his claim in the summer of 2007.
“I would learn how severely wounded he was and how his condition would continue to deteriorate—how it would affect his career in the Army and his civilian life.”
Ewell suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and a host of other symptoms as a result of repeated IED traumas: bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, a fractured jaw, facial trauma, chronic body pain, loss of his right eye, cognitive disorder and dysthymia. Horribly, the list goes on.
However, Ewell feels lucky to have come out alive.
“Too many friends I had in Iraq are just names on my cane … memories,” says Ewell. “I’m permanently disabled, but I’m here.
“I really do feel thankful each day and look constantly for ways to pay it forward.”
In many ways, he already has. Ewell led over 33 percent of the missions he was on in Iraq. Based upon his experience and knowledge, he was vital in the creation of the first Route Clearance Handbook. His lessons learned have been published in several Army periodicals.
His bravery in action earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge among many other esteemed medals and decorations.
“Ewell served his country honorably but maintains he isn’t a hero,” Jensen continues. “He is 100% disabled as a result of his service and says he was just doing his job.”
For his part, Ewell is thankful for the help he received from the VFW and his admiration for Mike Jensen is mutual.
“Mike has helped me and my family more than he realizes,” he says. “He works with passion and conviction, and I know he really cares about our country’s veterans.”
Ewell is a Bronze Legacy Lifetime Member of the VFW.
“I’m proud to be a member of the VFW. I always tell other soldiers and veterans that VFW provides a caring voice to represent them and valuable friendships that will last a lifetime.” | 
