SPOKANE -- The family of a Post Falls soldier who was wounded in the Ft. Hood shooting are on their way to Texas to be with their son.
18-year-old George Stratton III called his dad, George Stratton, Jr., soon after being shot and described the scene as the gunman came into the room. Stratton, Jr. says his son left a voice message for him while he was on his way to the hospital.
"Dad, I'm in an ambulance. I've been shot and I'm on my way to the hospital, but I'm going to be okay."
Stratton says he spoke to his son later from the hospital. He told him the bullet went clean through his left shoulder and didn't appear to have damaged any bone or nerves. Stratton says the family plans to fly to Texas to see him, and are hoping they can take him home to Idaho for some extended leave as he recovers.
18-year-old George Stratton III graduated from Post Falls High School before joining the Army. His father tells KREM 2 News Stratton suddenly found himself in a room with the shooter and heard about 15 deafening rounds fired, so he hit the deck to take cover. Stratton's father says his son told him he looked up and was saw the gunman was about five feet in front of him. The gunman fired one shot, hitting Stratton in the shoulder. His father says he ran out of the room holding his shoulder and reached an adjacent building where he received some initial treatment for his wound.
Stratton says his son was very sure of his decision to serve his county, and joined the Army at the age of 17.
If you want to offer your well wishes to George Stratton, send a letter to 1769 North Cecil Road, Post Falls, ID 83854.
