10/28/09

By Rachel Azevedo

"They're just glad that he's alive. They said they can deal with all the injuries," said Amber Sanders, a cousin.
The parents of Private First Class Alex Johnson of Madras are happy their 19-year-old son is one of the lucky ones. An improvised explosive device hit the vehicle Johnson was riding in on Friday in Kandahar. The bomb killed two and injured four, contributing to the deadliest month in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001. Johnson broke his back in three places and broke both of his legs.
"He was in surgery this morning for his legs. I haven't heard yet how that came out, but they are expecting a full recovery and walking again," said Sanders.
Johnson joined the Army right after his 2008 graduation from Madras High School, but his interest in service started much earlier. He was a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps all four years of high school.
"Cadet rank ended up being cadet major, which is the second highest rank in the organization. Very good student. He was always polite," said Larry Renfro, senior Army instructor.
Johnson was also a football player for the White Buffaloes, but those that know him say his volunteer work as a emergency responder is his true passion. He became the youngest certified first responder in the state of Oregon in 2006, and was named the EMS volunteer of the year in 2007 while volunteering for Jefferson County Emergency Services, where his father works.
"He was actually too young to be a crew member, but he rode with the crew. He did go out on 911 calls and helped out," said Michael Lepin.
In a small city, news like this travels fast and hits close to the heart.
"It just hit me. It's just a matter of time because we have several kids over there now," said Renfro.