Mission local wounded in Afghanistan

ST. IGNATIUS — On Oct. 16, 21-year-old Montana soldier Sam Helmer was critically injured in eastern Afghanistan after unknowingly triggering an explosive device. The incident left him fighting for his life but, three weeks later, Helmer’s condition continues to improve.

After undergoing surgery a week earlier at a San Antonio hospital to repair his cheeks and eye socket, Helmer had another procedure on Monday to remove shrapnel from his right eye.

“They’re hoping the pressure comes down and the eye repairs itself,” Helmer’s father-in-law Brian Becker said.

The soldier moved to St. Ignatius from Stevensville during his sophomore year of high school, but now resides in Missoula with his wife Amanda. With her at his side, he will tackle this challenge head on.

“He’s a tough, Montana-type kid,” Becker said. “He’ll get through this.”

Helmer had been in Afghanistan for about a month before he was injured while on foot patrol as part of personal security detachment for the commander. The explosion has left Helmer unable to see out of his left eye and only able to make out shapes and shadows from his right.

While doctors and the family are hoping that Monday’s surgery will improve the vision in Helmer’s right eye, sight from his left remains an uncertainty. The blast embedded shrapnel deep in the back of that eye and attempting to remove it would probably do more harm than good.

“At 21 years old, his number one thing is, ‘please let me see,’” Becker said.

“His spirits, believe it or not, are good,” Becker added. “In talking to him, he’s probably wondering at 21 what the future holds for him. There’s still a long road ahead.”

Helmer remembers everything that happened to him during and since the explosion. Becker, who works as an outreach coordinator at the Missoula Vet Center, said that’s a good thing as Helmer continues his recovery.

“The sooner he can rehash the experience, the healthier it will be for him,” Becker said.

Helmer has aspirations of becoming a police officer after his time in the military is up. Hopefully that desire will aid him as he continues to improve.

“He has a lot to look forward to,” Becker said.

Thus far, the community has been extremely supportive of Helmer as he continues to undergo surgeries and recover. He’s received an influx of mail and well wishes, which has helped his spirits over the last few weeks.

“He can’t believe so many people care that he was injured,” Becker said. “He seems to be really enjoying mail from people he doesn’t know. He can’t read the letters, but they’ve been good for his soul.”

The family is also asking for prayers for Helmer.

“Sam would ask for prayers, so that is what we’re asking for,” Becker said.

If you would like to wish Sam well as he continues to recover from his injuries, mail can be sent to the Brooke Army Medical Center, c/o BAMC Sam Helmer, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.