Garrett, Lorna and Tucker Illerbrunn

1/8/2024 - Thank you, thank you, thank you for the support! Garrett and Lorna are still in Germany and while there is hope for a departure to Walter Reed this week, it is more likely going to be next week.

His status is stable but is always ever-changing. Lorna has given permission to post his caring bridge site that his sister is diligently updating. We're so thankful for the support and can't tell you enough how much this will help the family. We're here for the long-haul and will continue to update as we get information but if you would like some more real-time information, visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/garrettillerbrunn

1/2/2024 - Family, friends and loved ones supporting the Illerbrunn's:

We can't thank you enough for your continued support, your kind words, messages of encouragement and referrals to get the word out about Garrett.

We wanted to reach out and give an update on Garrett and Lorna. Lorna was able to travel to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany where Garrett was transported from Baghdad, Iraq. She has been able to meet his medical team, be present for updates, surgeries and talks to him daily to update him on the incredible world-wide support.

During the drone attack, a piece of shrapnel struck Garrett in the head, lodging from about his temple to almost the back end of his ear; hitting the motor function area of his brain. Garrett is currently still in a coma but after an attempt to take off sedation, there was some response in facial movement -a beacon of hope for his recovery. As of an hour ago he was taken off of sedation and withdrew from pain in one arm, he also is breathing on his own all day today!

He will be transported to Walter Reed for continued recovery but the family is in for an Ultra Marathon, not a 5k. So we are so thankful for your support! We always know the military and local community can rally but it's never short of a miracle when you see it in person; we are so grateful.

Friends and family of Pinehurst, NC and abroad...

On Christmas Day, 2023, Garrett was one of three US soldiers injured in a drone attack on a base in northern Iraq. His wife and son, Lorna and Tucker, were visiting family for the Holidays when they received the news. While his prognosis is unknown and ever-changing, we as the organizers want to be able to prepare for the Illerbrunn's as much as possible in their difficult time.

Lorna had previously contracted out a surprise Christmas present for Tucker to have a treehouse built for when they got home from their trip. Lorna is traveling to Germany to be by her husbands side while Tucker will be coming home with family to be able to continue on and have an easy transition to the new normal.

Our friend, who is a local Veteran contractor here in the Sandhills, Ray Helvig, has graciously offered to cover some of the costs of the treehouse but we not only want to help cover the entire costs; we want to do more. Ray has offered continued services to help fit the Illerbrunn's home for any needs to aid in Garrett's recovery. As we're unsure of the prognosis, we do foresee things like ramps, rails, and physical therapy needs throughout the home. With your donations we can not only be ready for his home arrival but we can give Tucker his treehouse and leave Lorna without any worry and one last thing for her to deal with. All proceeds will go to the treehouse, home needs or straight to Lorna -any extra will go to travel, home, bills, Garrett's recovery and anything the family needs in the time to redirect their daily needs to their new, adapting life. These funds will all be facilitated through Lorna.

We thank you ahead of time for your continued help! Let us get this kiddo a treehouse and some weight off the shoulders for future home needs!

-Melissa Young, Dustin Thomerson, Ray and Amy Helvig