CWO3 JEFFREY PCOLA

Lake Keowee, SC

Mission Accomplished on June 18, 2011

 
On March 27, 2003, Marine CWO3 Jeffrey Pcola was commanding 24-hour reconnaissance operations in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, when the convoy he was driving came under attack. While preparing to step from the Fox Reconnaissance Vehicle, an enemy mortar impact within 100 meters blew CWO3 Pcola from the moving vehicle. CWO3 Pcola sustained spinal and internal injuries as well as a broken neck.

Additional mortar attacks followed and small arms fire rang out all around leaving no immediate available corpsman to treat CWO3 Pcola. Participating in the firefight, CWO3 Pcola continued commanding his troops and returned enemy fire despite the pain of his injuries.

After returning to the United States, Jeffrey underwent surgeries and therapies at multiple medical facilities. Injuries to his neck, vertebrae, hip, and spinal cord make walking difficult. He was also diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, which causes chronic, severe pain, further hindering his ability to walk and perform many daily tasks.

Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife Maria and their two children, Megan and Cody. He obtained an associate’s degree in business and is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in applied engineering for gunsmithing. He is also into beekeeping and has six hives on his property.

Jeff is grateful to be living in a specially adapted custom home. “Having the chance to become more independent makes life so much easier for my family. We would like to thank everyone involved with this program. Being a part of the Homes For Our Troops family makes every day living a whole lot brighter.”