Observer: Jefferson soldier injured

BY CARA HOST, Staff writer

A soldier from Jefferson was shot in the neck last Friday while fighting near Mosul, Iraq.

Sgt. Daniel Lama, a member of the Army's 25th Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade, was hit by sniper fire while his unit was patrolling the area, according to the soldier's uncle, Carl Lama of Newell.

"It was a bad wound, but through the grace of God, he's still with us," Carl Lama said. "It's almost like a miracle."

Daniel Lama is now recovering in a military hospital in Fort Lewis, Wash., where his unit is headquartered. The bullet apparently missed major arteries as well as his spine, Carl Lama said.

The soldier's parents, Daniel and Connie Lama, traveled to visit their son and were not available for comment Wednesday and Thursday.

Carl Lama spoke with his nephew by telephone and said that Daniel Lama was in good spirits despite his injury.

"I'm so proud of him. In my eyes, he's my hero," Carl Lama said.

Semper Fi