09/21/05 With one son at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. recovering from critical injuries sustained while serving in Iraq, Wharton resident Missy Benoit is fighting to prevent the army from sending her other son for second time to Iraq.

Wharton mother fights to keep soldier son close by DHD One gets orders to go to Iraq, the other still recovers from injuries by laura bruno daily record

While watching one of her three sons fight for his life, Wharton mother Margaret "Missy" Benoit is haunted by the possibility that her oldest son will soon return to Iraq, where his brother was critically wounded two weeks ago. Pfc. David Benoit is scheduled to leave the United States on Tuesday for a second tour of duty in Iraq. David Benoit, 25, was given a temporary leave last week to keep vigil with his mother at his brother's side at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The orders for his departure to Iraq from his commanders at Fort Campbell in Kentucky have not changed despite the critical nature of his brother's situation. Army Spc. James "Jimmy" Benoit was wounded during a roadside bomb attack in Baghdad on Sept. 8. Jimmy Benoit, 23, is in critical condition in an intensive care unit. He has undergone nearly a dozen extensive surgeries to repair severe internal injuries. "Everything is threatened in his body," Missy Benoit said. "It's a miracle every second he lives. I could not handle the thought of another child being injured, it would really take me down." Missy Benoit said that the doctors discover something new in her son's injuries each time he undergoes surgery. As swelling reduces, the doctors are better able to see the extent of his wounds, the worst of which are centered at his backside. Missy Benoit said she's been told it is unlikely her son will walk again. He is also battling a bacterial infection, which has troubled the doctors, she said. They are concerned about him developing meningitis, a bacterial infection that can be deadly. Doctors found a tear in the membrane of his nervous system during surgery done this weekend, Missy Benoit said. Because of his weakened state and susceptibility to infection, her son has been isolated from the other war wounded, she said. Missy Benoit said she and David have mentioned to his direct supervisor their desire for a deferment or compassionate reassignment to somewhere in the United States. "Having to bottle up my revenge feelings as a brother is not going to be an easy thing to do," said David Benoit. "I'm also worried about my mother." Benoit said that when he mentioned the possibility of a deferment or reassignment to a ranking officer, he received a noncommittal answer. "He must officially initiate such a request with his unit to get a personnel action of this nature started," said George Heath, spokesman for Fort Campbell, in an email response to an inquiry regarding Benoit's status. "There are procedures for a delay in his deployment but he, in conjunction with his unit, must initiate them. His time is short if he has not done so." The Benoits said they were not told he needed to file official paperwork. David Benoit served for more than one year in Iraq already, from May 2003 to July 2004. He was on the front lines in the Al-Rusafa area of Baghdad, helping to protect the city's main hospital and government buildings. He said he provided direct support, including getting supplies to infantry on the front lines. As for the number of times he came under fire, Benoit said, he "stopped counting when you can't keep track on your fingers and toes anymore." "I don't want to put my mom under more stress," Benoit said. "I'm not trying to get out of another tour, but I would like to be as close to my brother as possible." The family has enlisted the support of Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-Harding, who said there is no question in his mind that David Benoit should not return to Iraq at this time. "With a young soldier critically wounded, we need to keep the family together," Frelinghuysen said. Frelinghuysen was instrumental in getting David Benoit's temporary orders to visit his brother at Walter Reed. He said his staff is now working to get that order extended. "You can be darned sure that the people from Fort Campbell are well aware of the severity of the situation," Frelinghuysen said. "The military cuts these types of orders infrequently, but with a brother at Walter Reed and a mother who needs moral support, we're doing everything we can to be of assistance." Meanwhile, the family tries to focus on the small improvements they see in Jimmy Benoit. The middle son, Jimmy Benoit, joined the Army's Delayed Entry Program during his senior year at Morris Hills High School. He was serving as a military police officer, training the Iraqi police force, when he was wounded. He had only five months left on his second mission in Iraq. He had also served in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. On Tuesday, Jimmy Benoit was awake and talking to his mother and brother, although he was not always clear due to the heavy painkillers within his system, Missy Benoit said. He does not know what happened to him and where he is. He did recognize both his mother and brother. "It was just so good to see his eyes open and have him talking," Missy Benoit said. Despite not understanding his situation, Jimmy Benoit was clear about one thing, she said. "When he saw his brother he asked if he brought his wheels so he could leave," she said. Laura Bruno can be reached at (973) 428-6626 or lbruno2@gannett.com.v