BUTTE – A Montana native who lost both legs and his right arm while serving in Afghanistan is receiving treatment at an Army hospital in Texas.
J.D. Williams, of Harrison, stepped on a land mine while on patrol in early October. Doctors in Germany performed the amputations.
Williams, 23, arrived at the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio on Oct. 15. His parents, wife and 11-month-old daughter were about two hours behind him. He has had four operations since returning to the U.S.
“The doctor said he is amazed by how well J.D. is doing,” his mother, Danielle Scholler of Ennis told The Montana Standard. “We’ve come a long way in two weeks.”
Williams began physical therapy Thursday and is able to sit up straight, Scholler said. Doctors were hoping he could get into a wheelchair early this week.
Scholler and Williams’ father, Jack, plan to stay on base until he can leave the hospital in another five to six months, she said.
“It’s just wonderful to be able to see him and put my arms around him,” Scholler said.
Williams’ wife, Ashlee and their daughter, Kaelyn, will move on base until he is cleared to leave, which could be up to 18 months, Scholler said.