Some regular readers surely know or know of Sean Barney, he was an aide to Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) and more recently a policy analyst at the centrist policy organization Third Way. He worked on education policy in various capacities and, along with his boss, was a key supporter of public charter schools on the Hill. He is also an all around class act and great guy.
Less well known is that after 9-11 Barney enlisted in the Marines, becoming a reservist, and was deployed late last year to Iraq. He’d been periodically blogging about his experiences on the Third Way site. But, earlier this month he was wounded in action in Fallujah. His wounds are serious, the bullet went in his neck, hitting a key artery and then out his shoulder/back, but the prognosis is good for recovery. Apparently the quick work of combat medics saved his life in the field and he was airlifted home via Germany to Bethesda Naval Hospital where he is now.
In lieu of flowers Sean is asking for donations to be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The fund provides resources to the families of Marine’s wounded in action including assistance so they can travel and be with their wounded family member. The fund is a 501(c)3 organization so your contributions are tax-deductible and it’s easy to donate (pdf) via check (pdf). Please do. For donations over $150, drop me a note, and I’ll send you a copy of the teacher quality or teacher collective bargaining books. And please keep Sean in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers.