Lung Transplant Recipient- Please help support a Veteran and local Law Enforcement Officer during recovery of a lung transplant

During the summer of 2019, James Webb suddenly had a cough that would not go away. At first it was thought to be summer allergies, but the cough persisted. The doctors then thought it was pneumonia, but it wasn’t. Finally, in November of 2019 the doctors performed a lung biopsy on James. The test results were not good and could be fatal. He was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease. Interstitial lung disease describes a large group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. The scarring associated with interstitial lung disease eventually affects your ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. Interstitial lung disease can be caused by long-term exposure to hazardous materials. Once lung scarring occurs, it's generally irreversible. Medications may slow the damage of interstitial lung disease, but many people never regain full use of their lungs. Lung transplantation may be an option of last resort for some people with severe interstitial lung disease who haven't benefited from other treatment options. This was James and his condition is likely due to burn pit exposure from his deployments. He was told in November that in a year he might be on oxygen and within 3-5 years he will need a Lung Transplant. Within one month he was on full oxygen and January 13, 2020 he was hospitalized and put in an induced medical coma. Four days later James was life flighted to Phoenix, Arizona for a possible lung transplant where he stayed in a Coma for several weeks. During that time, it was touch and go several times and the doctors thought he could possibly be brain dead because of the lack of oxygen. It was a rough horrible time for his wife Sara. But being a Soldiers wife, she knew how to fight and FIGHT she did! The doctors were able to wake James up, run the test, conclude he was not brain dead and he was listed on the lung transplant list. By the grace of God, 6 days later he received an amazing pair of lungs that fit him like a glove. He has over exceeded the doctor’s expectations and doing as well as you can be by recently having a lung transplant. Sara and James have a long road ahead of them. They must prepare to stay in the lung transplant program in Arizona for up to a year. This not only takes their time, but it will take an immense amount of money. James and his wife Sara by his side have sacrificed so much for their country and protecting us of our freedoms we cherish so much. Please consider making a donation to help him heal and get back to where he needs to be to continue his career of protecting us. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go directly toward his medical bills and living expenses while he is recovering. For those of you who do not know James personally below is a short modest description of who this great man is and the sacrifices he and his wife Sara has made for you. Please keep James and Sara in your prayers and prayers of peace and comfort to the lung transplant donor’s family. I personally thank them for the many lives their loved one saved by being an organ donor. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Thank you,

Michelle Robinson
A friend who loves and considers Sara and James to be family

First Sergeant James Webb has served our Nation in uniform for more than 18 years with 4 years in the Active Duty Army the 14 years in three state’s Army National Guard.  Since 2014, James Webb has been in Law Enforcement with the State of Oregon as a Training Coordinator/ Corrections Program Manager, Oregon Department of Safety Standards and Training and currently in the Army National Guard.

1SG Webb is a professional Military Police Non-Commissioned Officer that has consistently represented the Military Police Regiment with the highest honor and integrity.  He was selected as the Honor Graduate for his Military Police Senior Leader Course as well as named to the Commandant’s List for his Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course.  As the senior Corrections/Detention NCO for the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, he was selected as the deployable Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

As a Sergeant First Class, in deploying with the Washington National Guard, 1SG Webb was chosen above all of his peers to become the US Forces Afghanistan RC-North Customs NCOIC.  He was praised by the USFOR-A Theater Customs Program Manager for implementing best practices in training and management of the Customs Border Clearance Agent Program, to include supervising 30 CBCAs across RC-North from multiple units, both Active Duty and National Guard.  Following this deployment, he executed an Interstate Transfer to the Oregon National Guard.  Leveraging his civilian law enforcement contacts, he secured an Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Oregon Department of Public Safety, Standards, and Training and the Oregon National Guard to provide Military Police Soldiers access to a state-of-the-art police training facility.  During this timeframe, he graduated the Department of Homeland Security’s Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings train the trainer course.  He was recognized by the Battalion CSM with a coin of excellence for exemplifying esprit de corps and leadership.       

1SG Webb was hand-picked over four other senior NCOs to assume responsibility for one of the most challenging companies in the Oregon National Guard.  He immediately completed the Oregon Army National Guard’s First Sergeant Pre-Command Course.  1SG Webb facilitated hands-on Active Shooter Response training to over 70 Military Police Soldiers by law enforcement trainers, which was featured in the Military Police Regimental Association’s Dragoon publication.  He recruited six NCOs to support the Oregon National Guard’s State Partnership Program’s first ever engagement training the Bangladesh Border Guard.  1SG Webb facilitated the largest number ever of unit participants at The Adjutant General’s shooting competition.  He also developed a MP NCO to compete and win the Best Warrior at the Battalion level and ultimately second in the state.    

Throughout his 18 years of military service, including the last 11+ as a Military Police Non-Commissioned Officer, 1SG Webb has demonstrated a pursuit of excellence and tremendous competence in the Military Police Corps.  He has excelled in duty positions from Squad Leader to First Sergeant.  He has proven himself to be an invaluable asset and a guardian of the profession.  1SG Webb has served and led Soldiers in the most challenging and demanding environments, having deployed his unit to the National Training Center as well as two combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism.  His leadership, expertise in Military Police tactical and technical skills, and professionalism is of the highest caliber.  His contributions will continue to impact the Army and the Military Police Regiment.  1SG Webb truly exemplifies the values of the Military Police Corps and the United States Army.    

ACHIEVEMENTS/AFFILIATIONS/AWARDS

Eagle Scout

Military Police Regimental Association – member

Army Commendation Medal – 3rdaward

Army Achievement Medal – 4thaward

Army Good Conduct Medal

Army Reserve Components Achievement
Medal

National Defense Service Medal – 2nd award

Afghanistan Campaign Medal – 2 campaign
stars

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

 Armed Forces Service Medal – 2ndaward

Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with
Mobilization Device

Noncommissioned Officers Development
Ribbon – 3rd award

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon – 3rdaward

 NATO ISAF Medal

 Driver’s Badge