Support Wisconsin Man Injured in Kabul Attack

Our family member Lance Corporal Michael Gretzon (20 yrs old) of Wausaukee, WI.

was injured by the suicide bomber on August 26, 2021 at Kabul airport. The injuries he sustained are: injury to his eardrums, a traumatic brain injury and injury to his left arm and shoulder from shrapnel. While he can feel pain in his arm (which is a good sign) he is unable to use it at this time. At this time we don’t have any definitive prognosis for his physical injuries..

Then there are the injuries that no one can see… His memory is a bit “off” right now, and of course witnessing what he did and the affect that will always have on him.

Here’s some background on our Marine Michael Gretzon, he has wanted to serve our country since he was a lil boy. Anyone that knows him, will tell you that it is all he ever talked about. Mikey is an honorable, determined and strong young man. His dream of serving his country is what helped him over come many things in his young life and kept him focused on the future!

Mikey had a low form of testicular cancer when he was 13, thankfully with one surgery he became cancer free!! But Mikey’s main concern was if it would affect him being able to join the service? While it caused him to have to jump through more “hoops” to enter the marines, ultimately it did not stop him!

Fast forward the next few years, He met his high school sweet heart Randi, (whom he married while home on leave this past New Year’s Eve), he worked at a local restaurant, a farm, graduated from Wausaukee High School, class of 2019, got his welding degree through a local technical college and drove for Wausaukee volunteer Rescue Squad and served on the Amberg volunteer Fire Department. I’m telling you, this kid was motivated!!

In October of 2019, He enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He graduated MCRD training January 2020 in San Diego. Completed MOS training as an infantry/rifleman in May of 2020 and joined the fleet at Camp Pendleton. Due to the Covid guidelines that is where he stayed until spring of 2021, when he deployed overseas.

TO SAY HIS FAMILY IS PROUD OF HIM FOR FOLLOWING HIS DREAM AND MAKING IT HAPPEN, IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!

But as anyone that has a family member in the armed forces knows, while we are so proud, we were also so scared when he deployed overseas… Praying for his and all the soldiers safety, every time the news comes on or the phone rings, you freeze! Especially on August 26, when we heard news of the bombing, and then hours later his mom and his wife received a message that he was involved and injured, but alive!!

WE DO REALIZE THAT WE ARE SO VERY FORTUNATE TO STILL HAVE OUR SOLDIER HERE ON THIS EARTH WITH US, WHILE MANY OTHER FAMILIES WERE NOT. OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS CONTINUE TO GO OUT TO THEM!!

Last week his immediate family, Jill Stapleford, Bryan Roddy, Lilli Gillis and Randi Gretzon (his older sister Ashlei Stapleford was unable to go, but always there for him in spirit) were able to travel to Walter Reed medical center to be with him for a few days. After their visit he was transferred to the Naval base hospital in San Diego, CA. There he is continuing to receive medical attention. In pictures he may not look like he is not “badly” injured.. Please remember, not all injuries can be seen in pictures.

Many people have reached out and asked how they can help? Our family is so appreciative of all the support,  if you would like to donate, please do so through this page. The funds raised will help his family assist  him with any personal needs and to be able travel to see him  during his recovery.  

Thank you in advance for any donation you are able to make!! If you are unable to donate, we thank you for taking the time to read and share his story, please keep praying for our Hero. As we will continue to pray for all military families, past, present and future.

Many Thanks,

The family of Mikey