Medical technology gives Dyer sergeant more mobility

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BY VANESSA RENDERMAN
vrenderman@nwitimes.com
219.933.3241 | Sunday, December 14, 2008 | (98 comment(s))

DYER | With the night sky overhead and tall buildings flanking the convoy, Army National Guard military police Sgt. Shannon "Ray" McAllister rode down a city street in Hawijah, Iraq, perched atop the third truck in line.

"They call the third truck 'the death truck,' " the Dyer resident said.

McAllister volunteered to sit in what's known as the dead man's seat, partly out of duty and sacrifice and partly to slake his adrenaline junky desires.

But that night -- Nov. 22, 2007 -- the danger got too close. An improvised explosive device hit the second truck in line. Another exploded in front of McAllister's truck, dazing him.

He saw a couple of insurgents, one filming the action and the other detonating another device that rocked McAllister so hard he still doesn't remember what happened in the three days that followed.

He woke up under medical care, not able to speak very well or use his hands very well. He couldn't read or write. As time passed, his memory got better but his body grew more prone to tremors.

Doctors told him he suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Eight months ago, back home in Indiana, McAllister was driving and felt "real weird." He pulled over, blacked out and woke up with the left side of his body paralyzed. Only his thumb and forefinger worked on his hand, ending his guitar playing and diminishing his drumming abilities.

He strained to complete simple tasks, if he could at all. McAllister fought to remain independent, but depression moved over him like a shadow.

That changed three weeks ago.

McCallister, who works with a local armory in the community-based warrior transition unit, is nearly back to normal. He's holding glasses of water, stirring pots on the stove, hauling bricks into the garage and, most importantly to him, holding his 11-month-old daughter without being afraid of dropping her.

"I have no fear of my arm failing at all," the 26-year-old Hessville native said.

He uses a product called Wearable Therapy. A special sleeve on his arm and brace around his knee allow him to function almost as normally as he did before he was wounded. Now he jokingly calls himself a bionic man or RoboCop.

Philip Muccio developed the prosthetics that allow McAllister and others like him to function so highly. With the product, which is worn externally, patients receive electrical stimulation to muscles in the same manner electrodes would provide, but without all the cords.

McAllister's prosthetic sleeve is connected to a button on his waistband that, when pushed, forces his hand to open, a motion he can't do on his own.

Each piece is fitted to the patient's specific needs. Muccio said these neuroprosthetics can help patients with spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or, like McAllister, traumatic brain injury.

"We're tapping the body's own potential," he said.

The concept isn't new, but Muccio said he made it more practical. In 1995, Muccio met with actor Christopher Reeve and developed a prosthetic for him. Reeve wore it for many years, Muccio said.

The neuroprosthetic, coupled with occupational therapy to work on fine motor skills, is like a one, two punch for patients. It takes away pain and gives mobility. It also can heal the psyche and alleviate depression patients often feel, Muccio said.

Community Hospital in Munster is the only Northwest Indiana hospital that offers Muccio's product. Although it is new to the hospital, more patients are using the device in conjunction with their therapy, said Sue DeGroate, supervisor of occupational therapy at the hospital.

Brian Steinberg, an orthotist with the Center for Orthotic & Prosthetic Excellence in Hammond and St. John, said he tries the product with appropriate patients and, once there is a good response, has them fitted with a custom version.

McAllister's sleeve and knee brace have matching patriotic designs. He's grateful that the design suits his personality but is more grateful for the freedom it gives him.

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HHS wrote on Mar 23, 2009 8:43 PM:

" I cannot believe this young man has given so much for our country, yet the only thing I am hearing and see on telivision is how some senator's kid is having a wedlock baby or some other mindless junk. If anyone knows how I can get ahold of this young man please let me know. We need to do something for him!! IT IS OUR DUTY BECAUSE HE PERFORMED HIS!!!! "

crazy old dude wrote on Mar 19, 2009 7:06 PM:

" I am so sorry that Sgt. Mcallister is losing all his military benefits. This hero deserves better. "

Colleen wrote on Mar 17, 2009 9:22 PM:

" Just read this story , WOW!!!!!! Thank you for your service. Great work by the medical professionals

GOD BLESS "

Randy wrote on Mar 3, 2009 7:02 PM:

" Thanks Mac, We all love you and cannot believe noone has done anything publicly for you. We are ashamed to live in Indiana!!

Keep that smile HOOAH! "

Bart wrote on Feb 7, 2009 10:46 PM:

" WOW, lets recognize this man publicly. Why have we not?
Thank yoou SGT McAllister for everything you have done, and your attitude towrds this whole thing! "

AAA wrote on Jan 19, 2009 10:10 PM:

" You the MAN RAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW WHAT A VIDEO "

Rob wrote on Jan 19, 2009 10:09 PM:

" Thank you Sargent!!!!!

Best of Luck "

Jamie wrote on Jan 8, 2009 3:37 PM:

" PROUD OF YOU RAY!!!!!!!!

Thanks doesn't quite say enough.

GOD BLESS YOU !!! "

Mandy wrote on Jan 7, 2009 11:34 AM:

" You are a hero and I knew it when we were kids! I love you so much! Thanks for giving up a little of your life so my children all of America can have freedom! Im so glad that God gave you back your arm and in a really cool ROBO COP way which is soooo Ray!

Love you!
Your Cuz more like sister! "

IT wrote on Jan 3, 2009 7:49 PM:

" Robo,

Great story and THANK YOU!!! Unbelievable technology !! "

Jason T wrote on Jan 1, 2009 8:44 PM:

" Robo , Thank you!!!!! Great Story "

justanothersoldier wrote on Dec 30, 2008 11:41 PM:

" Thank you times for bringing this up, but I bet this young SGT is already forgotten. That is why I want to move from this state, our leaders are cowards, with no courage to stand up and shake an American Heros hand. Give him some recognition!

Thank you SGT McAllister you are a hero! "

WherestheluV wrote on Dec 22, 2008 10:26 PM:

" We love you ROBO, Man of the year for sure!
I don't know how to put you on the ballot but i would if I could HA!
Thank you Times for reporting this story, keep us informed on this True American Hero!! "

LC wrote on Dec 22, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Robo,

Thank you for the man you are!!! "

CokerJ wrote on Dec 22, 2008 11:06 AM:

" Awesome story. I'm happy for you, man. Hopefully I'll see you around again. Hit me up on myspace and we'll figure something out.

!Jason "

Molly wrote on Dec 21, 2008 7:43 PM:

" To THE TIMES'

We are officially nominating ROBOCOP for "Man Of The Year" for 2008 , please add him to your official ballot.

We need more of these stories.

Thank you SGT MCALLISTER for everything. "

RoboFan20000 wrote on Dec 21, 2008 7:37 PM:

" Just read this amazing story. I have to agree where is our public Leadership in all this. It is time for change, ROBOCOP you are our man!!!

Thank you ROBOCOP!!! My family is amazed with your story

Thank you also to our WORLD CLASS HOSPITAL AND PROFESSIONALS. "

Kathy O wrote on Dec 21, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Robocop, God Bless you and your family!! Thank you for your service and everything you gave for our country.

To the medical professionals you are all amazing, THANK YOU to Community Hospital for utilizing amazing technology to assist this great young hero.

To the Times thank you for a great story, Sgt McAllister you have our entire family's support for public office. We need more role models like you!! "

Hippo wrote on Dec 21, 2008 5:45 PM:

" Great job to everyone involved in this!! "

ROBOFAN wrote on Dec 20, 2008 8:44 PM:

" We love you ROBO, your invited to our house for christmas!! Your smile lit up my heart and I pray that some of our state officials will finally recognize you!

We love you ROBO!! "

Jasper County wrote on Dec 20, 2008 2:49 PM:

" I know one thing that will work, if we start emailing this story to our leaders, maybe they can take 5 minutes out of there day to even read of this brave young man.

You have our vote for senate ROBO!! "

Levin wrote on Dec 19, 2008 8:55 PM:

" Merry Christmas ROBO you have given more for your country and state than any of our leaders...maybe that is why they dont have the intestinal fortitude to be in contact with you. I agree with a few comments down BOOOO to the entire town of Dyer and state of Indiana. Nice job you bunch of FAT CATS!!

Love from my family ROBO! "

Stacy wrote on Dec 19, 2008 7:55 PM:

" To The Times,

Robo is the my vote for Man of the year!!!! You also have my families vote for public office also!! Thank you so much for your service.

Happy Holidays to the Robocop family "

Lewidnick wrote on Dec 19, 2008 12:43 PM:

" How about some more coverage of this young man!!

WE LOV YOU ROBO "

Larry wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:26 AM:

" Why does noone seem to care that this guys gave a part of his life for us. Does anyone know how to get ahold of him. I think we all need to go to bat for this man!

You have my families vote for senate ROBO!! "

Hollow wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:11 PM:

" Where the heck is our leaders, they have no honor. This man gave part of his life for us and NONE of our leaders in this state seem to give a hoot. Well I say BOO to our leaders and if they dont act soon we should pickett write letters do something for this young man who gave a part of his life for every one of us!!! "

Tiffany and Robert wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Robo, Robo, Robo you are the man, if you cant do it no one can!! Roll it, pat it and mark it with a C you are our new leader for ALL to see.

We love you!!! Thank you for putting your life on the line for our country. "

Shelly T wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:41 PM:

" Still none of our leaders to be found!!! SURPRISE SURPRISE

To THE TIMES staff how about a follow up story why this great hero never received any public ceremony!!

Thank you Robocop, God Bless!!! Also thank you to the Medical professionals involved. "

Kevin wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:33 PM:

" Robocop, you are a true inspiration for all our country.

Thank you!!!!!

We love you!! "

Barrett wrote on Dec 17, 2008 2:54 PM:

" Where is our leaders in this!!

Thank you SGT McAllister "

Chubby wrote on Dec 17, 2008 2:53 PM:

" ROBO ROBO HES OUR MAN IF HE CANT DO IT NO ONE CAN!!!

WE LOVE YOU ROBO!! "

Secret Admirer wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:49 AM:

" ROBOCOP FOR STATE SENATOR !!!!!!!!!!!

WHERE ARE OUR LOCAL AND STATE LEADERSHIP TO COMMEND THIS ROLE MODEL AND HERO.

THANK YOU TO THE TIMES FOR REPORTING THIS AMAZING STORY!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU RAY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Marc wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:44 AM:

" God Bless Our Troops!!!

Robocop we love you and Thank You for all you have done. BEST OF LUCK !!!!

Where are our politicians to commend this great local hero.

Thank you to Community Hospital Outpatient Therapy Dept, Phillip Muccio, and Brian Steinberg for helping this young man and making such a positive difference in his life.

Never new this technology existed however our insurance company now will be looking closer look at this for our patients.

Thank you to the Times and God Bless America!! "

Sandy Z wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:28 AM:

" Robo, Robo, Robo you are a Northwest Indiana Celebrity. Thank you for you service. My children 8 and 10 who watched the video with me are too putting on their magical ROBO BIONIC ARM SLEEVES.

Unbelievable technology!!!! Never new this was available.

God Bless "

Cal wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:21 AM:

" Robocop, a friend told me about this story and all I can say is AMAZING and THANK YOU.

First, you are an amazing young man and thank you soooooo much for you service.

Second, thank you to Community Hospital for having such a fine team of medical professionals.

This is a GREAT GREAT story which I enjoyed to read & watch. It is so inspiring and I would like to thank the TIMES for reporting it. WE NEED MORE STORIES LIKE THIS.

Happy Holidays Ray!!!!

Cal B "

Tom wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 PM:

" Just read the story ROBOCOP Thank you for all you have done. "

ortho1 wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:30 PM:

" Ray, you are an amazing young man, THANK YOU for all you have done for our country.
With that said:
Where are all of our leaders to commend you for your service to our country.

Maybe this should be the next story for THE TIMES "

C wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Loved the story by the times, Ray you are an inspiration to all of us affected by illness or injury. I am a patient of Community Outpatient OT/PT Department, and have to say Sue and her staff are world class in their therapy techniques. Also I have had PT with Kevin and his staff which is equally as great. Kevin runs the best therapy department I have ever seen!!!!!! No wonder they impact lives in such a positive way!!

God Bless you Sargent and God Bless all patients who have or are undergoing illness/injury "

RoboFan wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Hey RoboCop, Just wanted to thank you again for your service to our great country.

This story really touched many people including my entire family. Your story has been the discussion in our household for 2 days now, and we are completely fascinated by the technology utilized by the Community Hospital Outpatient Therapy Dept.

It seems by reading many of the comments you have become quite a star, rightfully deserved. With that said I would like to wish you only the best and thank you again for your bravery shown.

You are a ROLE MODEL to all of us. "

General wrote on Dec 16, 2008 6:49 PM:

" ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROBOCOP AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ROCK!!!!

THANK YOU SARGENT MCALLISTER YOU ARE THE BEST.

TIL WE MEET AGAIN

DISMISSED "

Peggy wrote on Dec 16, 2008 6:40 PM:

" Sgt Ray you are an inspiration to all of us and I would like to Thank You for your bravery. This story was so well done by The Times. I am a patient of Brian's at the Center for Orthotic & Prosthetic Excellence and was fitted with a sleeve for my foot drop after my stroke. It is unbelievable how this has changed my life in such a positive way!!!! Before receiving my Neuro Prosthetic System it was difficult for me to even walk, now I am doing everything that I was able to prior to my stroke.

God Bless you and your family and ALL the medical team involved !!!!!

Peggy "

PK wrote on Dec 16, 2008 5:17 PM:

" WOW amazing where is the parade for this man...why has not Indiana publicly recognized him....shame on our leaders "

Kandi wrote on Dec 16, 2008 3:50 PM:

" What a great story. Great job Times!

I am a client of Phil Muccio's. He custom-made me a vest to wear for neck and shoulder pain. The company is called Wearable Therapy. Doctors-please let your patients know about this.
Great technology for spinal cord injuries, paralysis, CP, MS, and pain to name a few.
Great job Phil and Brian-Center for Orthotic & Prosthetic Excellence!
Shannon-you are an inspiratioin! "

Debbie wrote on Dec 16, 2008 8:54 AM:

" I am also a client of Phil's, and was at the interview for Shannon. I was most moved when Phil asked if Shannon would like to play catch, and as Shannon began to say, "I don't think I can do that," Phil threw the ball. Shannon caught it. I cried.
Phil is a genius with this technology. He has given Shannon a new life, and given countless others new life as well (for me, it was for my pain, for my son, it was for his CP). The word should get out about this and what can be done to help people. "

Eddie wrote on Dec 16, 2008 7:26 AM:

" ROBO YOU THE MAN Keep up the great work!!

You have my families vote for Senate

ROBOCOP for Senate

Loved the Story

Eddie "

Ellen wrote on Dec 16, 2008 7:23 AM:

" WE all love you Robocop, my children too want to wear the COOL sleeve (they call it the ROBO SLEEVE) anyway Thank You and God Bless.

Ellen S
Munster, Indiana "

Lenny wrote on Dec 16, 2008 7:20 AM:

" Robocop, you are a true American Hero. I agree with the other comments you have MY VOTE for State Senator . Hard to believe no public leaders had the honor to contact and THANK YOU!!!

On behalf of my entire family THANK YOU!!!!

Also thank you to the Medical professionals involved.

Lenny "

Julius K wrote on Dec 16, 2008 7:15 AM:

" Ray,

Thank you so much for your service and determination. This was a tremendous story and I would like to thank all involved.

Happy Holidays !!! "

Robert wrote on Dec 15, 2008 10:17 PM:

" Senator Robocop , we support you !!!!!!

Its about time a true hero becomes Senator from the state of Indiana. "

Karen L wrote on Dec 15, 2008 10:12 PM:

" Sargent McAllister you have inspired my family and we wanted to say "thank you" for your bravery. We wish you and your family a very joyous holiday season.

Also to Community Hospital, Phillip Muccio, and Brian Steinberg we extend our sincere appreciation for what you have done for this wonderful young soldier.

God Bless "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:47 PM:

" What an inspiring story, kudos to THE TIMES!!!!!

Ray, you are an amazing young man who has inspired many as you can read the comments. YOU WERE THE TOPIC AT MY OFFICE TODAY AND HAVE INSPIRED MANY DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Thank you for your service and honor!!!!

God Bless You and your wonderful family!!!! "

Santa Claus wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:39 PM:

" HO HO HO

WE LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOU BRAVERY!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

SANTA "

David K wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:33 PM:

" Ray, my family was touched by your story and we felt we needed to say THANK YOU for your service. We are so proud of you and would also like to thank the GREAT medical professionals involved.

GOD BLESS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS "

Kelly wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:29 PM:

" ROBO,ROBO, ROBO WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

ITS TIME FOR THE SENATE RUN!!!!!!

GOD BLESS

LOVED THE STORY "

Andrew Knight wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Wow what a true hero!! "

Hphunk wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:40 PM:

" awesome just awesome "

Bill D. wrote on Dec 15, 2008 5:09 PM:

" Great just great, why are we only now hearing of a wounded hero in our own community. The town of Dyer and the state of Indiana should be ashamed.

Thank you Sgt McAllister for your great sacrafice to our country and state. Keep that smile on your face it lit up my entire families heart!! "

THANK YOU wrote on Dec 15, 2008 3:24 PM:

" Ray,

God Bless you and your family!
Thank you for all of your and their sacrafices.

Merry Christmas!

A random appreciative citizen "

Charles wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:33 AM:

" Why has this young SGT been recognized. We need to write letters, or emails to our congressmen and ask them why this young man has not been!!

Great story
Your a true American Hero ROBO "

Jill wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:58 AM:

" Good Luck SGT, Loved the Story and see this technology being used in our area hospital!!

God Bless "

Deanna wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Great Story!!!!!!!!! "

Alex wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:51 AM:

" ROBO, ROBO, ROBO our hero!!!! "

Carol D wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Felt I had to say thank you to the COMMUNITY HOSPITAL for bringing this technology to our community. Amazing job by the Outpatient OT Dept, to utilize this technology.

God Bless you Ray!! Our TRUE HERO!!! "

Laura wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Finally a True Hero and Role Model!! GO ROBO GO "

Brian wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Robo Cop you are an inspiration to all. Best of luck and God Bless!!! Loved the story . "

Don wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:24 AM:

" ROBO LET ME BE YOUR AGENT, THIS SHOULD BE A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE. LOVE THE SLEEVE AND GLAD TO SEE HOW WELL YOU ARE DOING. YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!!! "

Chris wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Awesome Story!! We love you Robo Cop!! "

Allison H wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:20 AM:

" Reading the story on my way to work, and was just amazed. Best of luck to Sgt McAllister and his family.
Special thanks to the Times for this amazing story.
To Community Hospital OT Dept, Phillip Muccio, and Brian Steinberg GREAT JOB YOU ARE THE TRUE STARS!!!!!!!!!

Allison
Munster, In "

Elsie wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:09 AM:

" Ray Rocks! You are a hero, how about you running for the Senate. We need more people like you in our political positions. "

Troy wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:02 AM:

" AMAZING! Neat Technology "

Amy wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Are you the six million dollar man???????

This should be a hollywood movie with the COOL Sleeve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO ROBO!!!! "

Stephen wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:56 AM:

" Loved the Story!! Being a medical doctor I had no idea this wearable technology existed for my patients. Thank you to the Times for the outstanding story.

Keep up the Great work Sgt....

Doctor K "

Larry K wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:40 AM:

" You the MAN Robo!!!!!! COOL BIONICS "

Peyton wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:38 AM:

" Love the video!!! GOD BLESS

My children too are pretending to wear a sleeve like Sgt McAllister!!! So happy for them to have a role model like this BRAVE young man. Just had to comment. GREAT STORY!!!! about time we have these types of stories. "

Nancy wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:33 AM:

" GO Robo GO!!!!!!!!

Love the story and video "

Kim wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:31 AM:

" On my way to work and read this amazing story!!!! God Bless Sgt Ray and his beautiful family.

Also Great Job to all the medical professionals!!!

Kim L
St John, In "

Peter wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:28 AM:

" Just read this story and had to comment!!! This is unbelievable, amazing, and inspirational. First keep up the great work Sgt McAllister!!! Second to Community Hospital, it is tremendous to see you working with WORLD CLASS technology for your patients, Great Job!!! "

insider wrote on Dec 14, 2008 11:56 PM:

" Indiana has not done anything for this young Sgt. He has fallen through the cracks on every level. It is a shame! They never even pinned a PurpleHeart on this man, he recieved his award in the mail! Great job Times for giving this young Sgt some credit and god bless you Sgt Mac, you inspire us all with your positive attitude and keep on keepin on manners...HOOAH "

Rachel wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:59 PM:

" Great Story !!!!!!!! Incredible Bionic Technology, why the national media has not reported on this is beyond me!!!! How about our Mitch Daniels commending this great young soldier!! Why are these bionic sleeves on more patients that could benefit. "

Angelica wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:51 PM:

" WOW, Amazing technology which needs to be in the forefront of therapy options. Why are we not utilizing more of this technology with patients, Thank you Community OT Dept, Phillip Muccio and Brian Steinberg for helping this great American hero get his life back.

God Bless All Involved!!!!! "

Kenneth Allen wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:31 PM:

" INSPIRATIONAL STORY!!!!!! It is cool to have an American Hero here in our town of Dyer. Where are our politicians in all this?? Oh let me guess having lunch with Rod. This young man is a HERO!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to The Times for the story, how about a follow up to our no where to be found politicians. "

Anna wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:24 PM:

" WOW, Loved this story!!!!!! It brought tears to my family and now our children are imitating Sgt McAllister. They are cutting off sleeves and calling it their bionic arm.

Thank you to TIMES to provide such an inspirational story and a TRUE HERO!!!!!

Also Community Hospital Outpatient OT/PT Dept for a great job!!! "

Chicago Steve wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:10 PM:

" Loved the Story and Video. Great Job!!!!!

ROBO you are an inspiration to all the world. This should be covered by ABC NEWS FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE. "

Angela wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:04 PM:

" Great Story!!!!! GO ROBO GO "

Randy wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:01 PM:

" COOL SLEEVE!!!!!!!!!! God Bless our Troops!!!!

YOUR OUR HERO ROBO "

MAJOR wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:58 PM:

" GREAT STORY!!!!!! Thank you Sgt for your fearless dedication and service. Best of Luck!!! "

Jessica wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:04 PM:

" ROBO COP YOU ARE OUR HERO AND INSPIRATION!!!! Our children now want to wear a sleeve like you!

God Bless You and Your Family!!! "

Teena wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:02 PM:

" A wonderful story about an incredibly brave young soldier and his brave family. Thank you for taking his story public. God bless you, Mac, and your precious wife and daughter. You are loved and admired by many. "

Cindy Morasco wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:00 PM:

" Never knew this type of technology existed. Fascinating story and would like to say God Bless to our Troops. Also Thank you to Munster Community Hospital for developing this world class therapy program!!!

GOD BLESS SGT McAllister!!!! "

Annette wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Thank you to the Times for reporting this amazing story. God Bless Shannon!!! Enjoyed the coverage and video. "

Hank Adams wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:35 PM:

" WOW!!!!! Amazing story and technology. Felt I had to write and say good luck to SGT McAllister and Thank you to Munster Community Hospital OT Dept, Phillip, and Brian at the Center for Orthotic & Prosthetic Excellence for this type of technologies and care for our soldiers. "

Candice Anderson wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:27 PM:

" God Bless The Troops. Thank you for a tremendous story and to all involved. Never realized this technology was available, and found your coverage to be extremely informative.

GREAT JOB TO ALL!!!!!!! "

Virginia Lynn wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:12 PM:

" RAY!!!!! I am so proud of you!!!! you already know how much you mean to the WHOLE family...you are a hero!!! Im glad you can finally some what function like you use to!!!! "

Bill Grantner wrote on Dec 14, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Great Story. Very much enjoyed reading this article!!
God Bless Our Troops!!

God Bless our Medical Professionals "

Tony G wrote on Dec 14, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Great story and a Big Thank You to our brave troops.
It is great that technology from our area is being utilized to help our troops recover from these traumatic injuries. Amazing technology and amazing people. Community Hospital, the Outpatient OT Center, Brian, and Phillip thank you for providing this world class technology to our area.

Also thank you to the Times for bringing this story to us.

Tony "

chicagovegas wrote on Dec 14, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Great Story!
Congratulations to this brave soldier and thanks for your sacrifice to our country. Didn't know this therapy device existed - what a blessing for so many people. Excellent reporting! "

William wrote on Dec 14, 2008 12:15 PM:

" Thank you to all the soldiers who fight everyday for our freedom. Also THANK YOU to Munster Community Hospital, Phillip Muccio, Brian Steinberg for providing this UNBELIEVABLE TECHNOLOGY. GREAT STORY!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Wiliam
Schererville, Indiana "

kaleen wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:26 AM:

" This is an amazing story about another soldier who loves his country. I want to thank all the soldiers out there who help keep their country free.
I also want to thank the photographers and reports to keep us in touch with the trama that is happening. I had no idea without the reporting I would be clueless.
Thank you again... "

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