Injured Tinian soldier improves
Army Sgt. Nazario SN. Borja, who was reportedly severely wounded in Iraq, is now improving, according to Capt. Joe Greenlee, commander of the Distribution Company of the 296 Brigade Support Battalion.
Last May 8, Borja was hit by motor shrapnel in his chest, abdomen, and leg. The shrapnel that hit his chest severed a main artery, causing his lungs to fill with fluid.
In a statement, Greenlee said he spoke to doctors who operated on Borja and they seemed positive about his recovering.
“The surgery was successful and they [doctors] were able to clean his lungs out and sew up his artery,” he said. “The one that hit his belly did very minor damage and his leg is fine.”
Greenlee said Borja is moving his toes and feet and his leg is expected to fully recover from the injury.
“Bottom line, I asked the doctor if there is any permanent damage, and he said there was none and that a year from now, it will be like it never happened,” he said.
Greenlee said Borja was upset after learning that the soldier near him during the incident died almost instantly.
Nazario received a Purple Heart for being wounded in action, and an Army commendation medal from the General and Brigade Commander.
“Be proud of him. We all here are very proud of him. He will be missed and [I] and the rest of the company cannot wait to see him when we come back,” said Greenlee.
Borja was transported to Madigan Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington, where he is going through physical therapy.
Earlier, Tinian Mayor Francisco M. Borja urged all CNMI residents to pray for Borja’s recovery.
“The people of the CNMI and Tinian are proud of Sgt. Borja’s service to our country. His bravery and his willingness to protect our freedoms should be commended and rewarded through all our prayers for his safe and speedy recovery,” the mayor said. “God, bless him, his family members and the rest of our troops who are protecting us today.”
Those who wish to send letters or notes of good wishes to Army Sgt. Nazario Borja can send messages to the Tinian Mayor’s Office, P.O. Box 59, Tinian, MP 96952.
