Sgt Devin Davis and wife Christie Davis, courtesy of Jane Pigg
Charlie and Dale Gray of Chesterfield County say they worry day and night about their son-in-law. Sgt. Devin Davis was critically wounded in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan last week.
He had been deployed there since last November with the 133rd Military Police Company out of Timmonsville.
Three of his comrades and closest friends were killed in the attack.
"We knew something was wrong because when something happens in Afghanistan they black out communications. So, our daughter knew something was wrong before we got any word, and then we got word from the National Guard that they wanted to meet with us because Devin had been injured," said Charlie.
Sgt. Davis married Christie just three weeks before he was deployed.
Christie is by his side at the Walter Reed Army Hospital where he's being treated for injuries.
"Devin's at Walter Reed now," said Charlie, "Got there the day before yesterday. I think he's had 12 surgeries. He was injured last Wednesday. He's had 12 surgeries about a five hour surgery yesterday morning. The good news we heard this morning, he's on a clear liquid diet. They're going to try him on clear liquids today which is just phenomenal. He seems to be doing a lot better, still has a long road to recovery."
"He does have a lot of broken bones in his leg," Dale told us. "He had a pin placed in his left arm yesterday. I think a pin in his thumb, left hand. He has abdominal issues. He has a lot of shrapnel in his abdomen. We're not sure just of what all is going there, but a lot of surgeries, I think six surgeries, working on the abdominal issue."
Sgt. Davis and Christie have known each other since the first grade and dated throughout middle school. They reconnected last year, fell in love and got married in Las Vegas.
"They decided they were getting married and did not tell us they were getting married," Dale said. "She told us that she was going to Las Vegas to see Devin and it was ok then she later that night when she got there they actually had it all planned they got married that same day. They had a drive-thru wedding in Las Vegas and she sent us a text message to tell us. She decided it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission from her family. It was good, but they love each other very much."
Christie sold their dream car to be able to be with her husband until he comes home. Her family says she's committed to being by his side.
The community is reaching out to help.
My FM/WCRE and The Link Newspaper have set up an account for the couple at First Citizens Bank to help cover expenses.
"We knew we had to help them and we had to help them immediately. We certainly didn't want her worrying about how am I going to pay for this? Where am I going to get money to eat on? How am I going to pay for my hotel bill? We just didn't want her to have to worry about that, so we just went to work immediately," said Jane Pigg, The Link, WCRE.
Donations can be made at any branch of the bank in South Carolina or online through The Link or MyFM/WCRE facebook pages.
