Injured Illinois Soldier Home To Celebrate The Holidays

Injured Illinois Soldier Home To Celebrate The Holidays
Last Edited: Tuesday, 16 Dec 2008, 10:01 PM CST
Created: Tuesday, 16 Dec 2008, 9:21 PM CST
Shaffer Family
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By: Teresa Woodard

(KTVI - myFOXstl.com) -- An Illinois soldier critically injured in Iraq is home in time for the holidays. His arrival in St. Louis means one of his Christmas wishes are filled, but the others can not be. 2008 has been a year of sad losses for his family.

"To be honest, I'd still rather be over there in Iraq," says Private First Class Chas Shaffer, "but since I'm back in the states it is nice to come home for Christmas."

O'Fallon man recovering at Walter Reed from injuries suffered in Iraq

O'Fallon man recovering at Walter Reed from injuries suffered in Iraq
Charles "Chas" Shaffer hurt in IED attack

By J.W. Campbell
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 9:19 AM CDT


An O'Fallon man injured in an improvised explosive device blast in Mosul, Iraq, is currently recovering from his wounds at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Charles "Chas" Shaffer had his right leg amputated above the knee as a result of the blast that hit the armored vehicle he was driving on Aug. 31. Shaffer also suffered shrapnel injuries to his left leg as well as bruises to his lungs.