A sniper hit John in Baghdad last April. The bullet passed through his left cheek and exited near his left ear. We thank God on a daily basis that he survived, and praise God that he's recovered. He's been in and out of Walter Reed for nearly a year, and during that time he's endured surgeries, therapies, and visits from politicians. He met Superbowl Champ Peyton Manning and a few other Colts, musician Stevie Nicks read him a poem, and Pentagon staff clapped for him during a special tour. And that's just a small bit of the attention he deservedly received.
John received the Purple Heart. I think it's worthwhile to note too, the April injury wasn't the first time he'd been hit. A mortar hit his head during an earlier attack... to look at the lighter side, he's undeniable proof the Slattons have incredibly hard heads. (How many of you already knew that?!)