SSG John Messana and his wife Kayla

I am First Sergeant Richard Joseph of Fox Company 186th BSB with the 101st Field Artillery. It deeply saddens me to call on the military family of one of our brothers in arms during this

sudden emergency to do what we know needs to be done. We live by a code of taking care of our own. Our brother SSG John Messana and his beautiful family need us.

After returning home from honorable service during the very last wave of soldiers in Afghanistan, the day before he was to be promoted for his exceptional service and leadership, SSG Messana's wife Kayla suffered from cardiac arrest. Her husband immediately acted, as he is known to do, and performed CPR on his unresponsive wife until paramedics arrived. Kayla, unfortunately, suffered two more episodes of cardiac arrest while being monitored in a medically induced coma and is currently under the watchful eye of her husband at Tufts University Medical Facility. Kayla remains in critical condition.

While caring for his wife and their four amazing children, SSG Messana will be unable to work. This unfortunate experience is predicted to severely impact Kayla's ability to return to work anytime soon as well. As we forward-plan for medical expenses, child care, and the possible months of recovery it is critical that we as his other family cover his six. John would never ask for assistance and is primarily only concerned with supporting his wife and easing the concerns of his children so it is our obligation to do what is right in the absence of a request. Our goal is set to financially assist SSG Messana's family during this emergency and everyone's contribution will directly go to this cause.

I express deep gratitude in advance on behalf of John and Kayla for all who answer this call to duty.