Email update from Aunt Kally sent 1/10/2010

Michael is showing some improvement and becoming more alert--getting upright is giving some
challenges since he has no visual frame of reference and the damaged ear has his balance
upset but they are getting him on his feet. They will be doing swallow tests on Monday and
if that is successful Michael will be able to start getting liquids by mouth.

It was a hard day for him because he was informed of Brad Smith's death but he had two of his
friends from Fort Riley with him as well as his parents. He was also told that Jim and Roxann are
attending that funeral in his behalf. Jim received a sweet note from Tiffany Smith, Brad's widow,
wishing Michael the very best and hoping to be able to visit with him in the future.

The TACP group has strong ties to one another. The top TACP officer from the pentagon came to visit
with Michael today and there is an active association of those serving or who have served, many of
whom will attend the services for SrA Smith.

Michael also was visited by Ryan Foreman, a good friend of Michael's cousin, Ryan Malarsie. They
(the two Ryans) served together in the Marines in Afghanistan and Foreman wanted to touch base.
Jim said the visitors were bright spots in a hard day and much appreciated. He said another bright
spot was from a little lady with the Red Cross who brought a box filled with candy and magazines
and cards from an elementary school in Virginia. He said there was a little quilt with a picture of
the Red Hat Ladies from Myrtle Beach who had made it--thoughtfulness that means so much and
truly brightens the sadness.

I have been in error in saying that the commander from Kansas has been visiting with Michael--this
has been the commander from Texas and the Kansas commander will be coming to visit next
week following the Smith funeral.