Sgt. Eddie Wright, American hero

[ULTRA28]

**UPDATE WITH PICTURES**
I'm building a boat right now for Sgt. Eddie Wright. This guy is amazing. I'll paste the story of what happened to him below. I'll also post some shots of what were building him as it comes along. He is a true American hero, as all of our men and women serving our country are.
...On April 6, Wright was in the midst of his second tour in Iraq, this time living his childhood dream as a recon Marine. The 28-year-old was finally doing the kind of missions for which he longed. He planned to make a life in the Corps.
On April 7, all that changed.
That day, Wright and his fellow Marines with the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, now based at Camp Fallujah, were called to escort a 15-vehicle convoy of Humvees and 7-ton trucks on a 10-mile trek to a supply point, where they would hunt for enemy mortar teams.
As the company rolled toward its destination, the commander of Bravo’s 2nd Platoon, Capt. Brent Morel, sensed something was wrong. The road was bare of traffic, a clear sign of nearby danger — possibly an ambush, an IED or a mine. The Marines dismounted and swept the area, but found nothing.
Soon after, Wright and his team moved forward in the convoyÂ’s lead Humvee and learned it wasnÂ’t a false alarm, after all. An incredible maelstrom of fire broke out, as enemy machine-gun rounds, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars exploded around the convoy.
Bullets were whizzing through one window out the other, Wright recalled.
“It’s a miracle nobody got shot in the face or the head.”
As the corporal opened fire with his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, a machine gunner manning a weapon in the HumveeÂ’s gun turret above took a round in the leg and groin. He passed out with his head exposed to the hail of fire. But before Wright and his fellow Marines could get the gunner down from his exposed position, an explosion rocked the vehicle.
Wright never saw it coming, but the RPG slammed into his SAW, blowing his helmet and safety glasses off and rupturing his left eardrum.
That was the least of his injuries, he realized a moment later.
“I opened my eyes and looked at my hands and I saw they were both blown off,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘damn, both of them?’.”
The explosion also ripped WrightÂ’s thigh wide open and broke his femur. With the thigh bone sticking out, his leg was bleeding wildly and his hands gone, Wright knew he had to get medical attention fast.
What happened after that would earn Wright the Bronze Star.
As junior Marines in the Humvee began “freaking out” about Wright’s gruesome injuries, the noncommissioned officer knew he needed to keep his cool. Wright’s team leader Sgt. Eric Kocher was also hit in the arm by a bullet, leaving the team three men down.
According to his Bronze Star citation, Wright “was the epitome of composure.”
“Understanding the severity of his own injuries, he calmly instructed others on how to remove the radio, call for support and render first aid,” the citation states. “He also pointed out enemy machine-gun emplacements to his fellow Marines assisting in the demise of 26 enemies killed in action.”
Wright instructed one of his lance corporals to put a tourniquet on his wounds.
“I had to stay calm. If I freaked out the younger Marines would freak out. The Marines without combat experience would freak out,” Wright recalled.
Kocher, unable to operate his weapon with one arm, jumped in the driverÂ’s seat and another Marine took his place on the right to provide security as they drove out of the kill zone.
Meanwhile Wright helped direct fire at machine gun emplacements as the battered Humvee sped away.
All together, Bravo Company faced at least 40, perhaps 60, enemy insurgents, that day.
Although WrightÂ’s Humvee made it out without fatalities, the company would lose Capt. Morel, who died after being hit in the chest by machinegun fire...
It would take more than 39 units of blood to stablize Wright and one amazing surgeon saved his leg. More in the Extended Section:
...Wright wanted to be a Marine since he first heard leathernecks calling cadence calls as a kid and he wants to stay in the Marine Corps, despite his injuries.
Wright and his therapist agree that if he works hard enough, he will be able to do almost anything required of him except pulling the trigger of a weapon.
“I think the Marine Corps will give me a fair chance. I just need to demonstrate I can do it,” he said. “If I could stay in my battalion that would be great.”
Most of all, Wright wishes he was still in Iraq helping his unit.
“I’d trade that medal for a chance to go back there.”
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[Kilrtoy]

WOW, Thanks for posting this J.W......

[roln 20s]

Wow John--what a great hero and an example for all people to live by. I do look forward to the boat build, but more so than that, need to once again THANK all those supporting our Freedom around the world.
God bless you all.
-Patrick

[ULTRA28]

I'm surprised he only got the Bronze Star.
Me too.

[ULTRA28]

Wow John--what a great hero and an example for all people to live by. I do look forward to the boat build, but more so than that, need to once again THANK all those supporting our Freedom around the world.
God bless you all.
-Patrick
Thanks for the Boat Bling cover for his boat. It's being painted this week to match. I'll get you some pictures.

[Boy Named Sue]

I'm literally sitting here oiling my M-1 carbine and saw this thread, copied the story and e-mail it to my pops, Lance Cpl., USMC 1961-64. We're so proud of our Marines and their dedication to what they are doing!
Fukin A Sgt. Wright!
Suuuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeeeeeeey!
s

[ULTRA28]

My Sgt Maj jumped on a grenade in Vietnam. He got the Medal of Honor.
Yeah, we thought he deserved more recognition for what he did. So we decided to honor him by giving him a boat. I'm still looking for trick ideas to make this boat extra special. So if anyone has any ideas, feel free to let me know.

[roln 20s]

Thanks for the Boat Bling cover for his boat. It's being painted this week to match. I'll get you some pictures.
My pleasure John, anything to help out on this great build. Look forward to the pics :)
-Patrick

[HighRoller]

John, when you told me about this boat I was disappointed I couldn't tell everyone else about it because it was your deal. But now I'm glad you did. I think a fitting tribute would be some kind of logo on the upholstered engine hatch with the Marine Corps logo or something. I'm sure D&S could pull it off nicely. I have to tell you, it's gonna be awfully hard to ever buy a boat other than an Ultra now...

[HighRoller]

P.S. God Bless you Sgt. Wright and thank you for your service to our country. It's men like you that make it possible for Americans to enjoy Mr. West's products at their leisure.

[SummitKarl]

To: Sgt. Eddie Wright
From: Karl Ecker
THANK YOU!!!!!!! for protecting OUR! freedom's and the sacrafices you have made, liberating millions of others that soon should be able to taste a bit of freedom for the first time in their lives. :cool:
WHOOYAAAAAA!!!!! Marine

[SummitKarl]

John, I have to tell you, it's gonna be awfully hard to ever buy a boat other than an Ultra now...
my decision has just been made for my next purchase thats FOR SURE!!

[Tom Brown]

Wow.

[lunchbox]

i am impressed john. that is a stand up way to recognize this fine soldier. his actions make us realize how good we all have it. not just the ability to enjoy our collective sport, but some of us being able to make a living of it. thank you for helping to give this industry a good name. maybe danny and sal could incorporate a tribute to his fallen brothren.

[Outnumbered]

What a story. Way to kick ass. Tell Sgt. Eddie thanks and glad to see Ultra stepping up again for a good cause.

[rivergoer]

that is a great story!! it is sgts like that who motivate me to do my best..there arent alot of them in my corps biut you get those few who go above and beyond there duty..hope his boat comes out just as he wants it..fu(k he deserves it!! when you see him tell him that cpl kean gives him a great big oohrah!! and semper fi brother!!

[fat rat]

Much respect to Sgt. Eddie Wright and to Ultra..............................for stepping up in a big way! :cool:

[mike37]

I would like to say this to you also
from Michael Wood and family
To: Sgt. Eddie Wright
From: Karl Ecker
THANK YOU!!!!!!! for protecting OUR! freedom's and the sacrafices you have made, liberating millions of others that soon should be able to taste a bit of freedom for the first time in their lives. :cool:
WHOOYAAAAAA!!!!! Marine

[jbtrailerjim]

Great job John! Way to step it up. A huge thanks to Sgt. Eddie Wright and all of our brave soldiers out there fighting for our country. I am truely thankful for the sacrifices they are making to protect our freedoms.

[ty34984]

Semper Fi

[Jordy]

JW, you guys and the levels you go to never cease to amaze me. Probably one of the most amazing companies in the buisness right now. Props to all you guys at Ultra and thanks To Sgt. Wright for his service. Enjoy your boat. ;)
Jordan

[sigepmock]

It's men like Sgt. Eddie Wright, that make me proud to be an American. Let him how much we all appreciate his hard work and the terrible sacrifces he's made. With-out him and the other men and women like him protecting us and our way of life, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Thank you Sgt. Eddie Wright and thank you John West for bringing this to our attention. As always John you're a class act. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.
Chris Mock
USAF Academy C.o. 1998
"War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. "
John Stuart Mill

[MagicMtnDan]

It's men like Sgt. Eddie Wright, that make me proud to be an American. Let him how much we all appreciate his hard work and the terrible sacrifces he's made. With-out him and the other men and women like him protecting us and our way of life, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Thank you Sgt. Eddie Wright and thank you John West for bringing this to our attention. As always John you're a class act.
These words say how I feel as well as I could have written them.
God bless Sgt. Wright for your service and sacrifice. John, this is a wonderful, giving thing you are doing. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to someone who clearly deserves it!

[OutCole'd]

John, I have to say, Sgt. Wright is one amazing American hero and Ultra is one amazing company. Hats off to the both of you.

[PICKLEtheLOAD]

Mr. West:
I have been fortunate enough to work side by side men and women like Sgt. Wright for the past 13 years. There are no words to describe the anguish I feel when I see these guys struggle working for "less than deserving" wages. But the funny thing is...it doesnt matter. It takes a special person to deploy away from loved ones for indefinite periods of time and still perform the way these guys do in WARTIME operations. Additionally, there is nothing more frustrating than the lashings our men and women serving receive from the mass media outlets and various Hollywood "experts" with respect to our occupation. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your contribution, its definitely a breath of fresh air to witness such a selfless act from a private business owner. The kicker here is that he is going to be the proud recipient of an ULTRA!- a class act boat builder with a heart. Thanks again for your contribution.
Jerry Macenas
LCDR USN
HSC-28

[boxscore]

Mr. West:
I have been fortunate enough to work side by side men and women like Sgt. Wright for the past 13 years. There are no words to describe the anguish I feel when I see these guys struggle working for "less than deserving" wages. But the funny thing is...it doesnt matter. It takes a special person to deploy away from loved ones for indefinite periods of time and still perform the way these guys do in WARTIME operations. Additionally, there is nothing more frustrating than the lashings our men and women serving receive from the mass media outlets and various Hollywood "experts" with respect to our occupation. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your contribution, its definitely a breath of fresh air to witness such a selfless act from a private business owner. The kicker here is that he is going to be the proud recipient of an ULTRA!- a class act boat builder with a heart. Thanks again for your contribution.
Jerry Macenas
LCDR USN
HSC-28
(goose bumps)

[dicudmore]

Wow John--what a great hero and an example for all people to live by. I do look forward to the boat build, but more so than that, need to once again THANK all those supporting our Freedom around the world.
God bless you all.
-Patrick
I second what he said :D
-Dan

[voodoomedman]

God bless our troops. It is because of these men that I can stay here in the best damn country on earth and have all that I have. All of us our lucky we have these men and women providing for our Freedom. To hell with all who do not support our troops!
John,
What about putting "Semper Fi Edition" or something like that in a few places. Kinda like Jesse's boat was "West Coast Edition"?

[Jbb]

Class act John.....

[ULTRA28]

Thanks everyone for your kind words, but this isn't about Ultra, it's about an amazing person with a fantastic outlook on life. I get tears in my eyes with pride everytime he tells me some of his stories. Believe me, we are truely honored to be doing this.
I would also like to thank some of the other companies that have helped make this possible with some contributions- Mercury Marine (big time, for a 496 mag HO), Extreme trailers, Eddie Marine, Cutting Edge Marine, Arc Audio, Image Dynamics, Boat Bling, Enduratex vinyl, OLN and a very special thanks to Mike from Killer Paint. I'll keep updating as the project continues.

[Mrs.Racer277]

Sgt.Eddie Wright is a true hero. Thank you for supporting our Freedom.
Ultra=Class Act #1

[voodoomedman]

OLN
Something tells me were going to see this story on TV!

[dicudmore]

Thanks everyone for your kind words, but this isn't about Ultra, it's about an amazing person with a fantastic outlook on life. I get tears in my eyes with pride everytime he tells me some of his stories. Believe me, we are truely honored to be doing this.
I would also like to thank some of the other companies that have helped make this possible with some contributions- Mercury Marine (big time, for a 496 mag HO), Extreme trailers, Eddie Marine, Cutting Edge Marine, Arc Audio, Image Dynamics, Boat Bling, Enduratex vinyl, OLN and a very special thanks to Mike from Killer Paint. I'll keep updating as the project continues.
I see our Hot Boat family is getting in on this great project, way to go guys :D

[BarryMac]

God Bless you Sgt. Eddie Wright you are a true American hero. I am not a religous man by any means but after reading this thread I thank God for people like Sgt. Eddie Wright, he is the reason that America is the greatest Country in the World.
John West is nothing less than a Class Act, he goes above and beyond his call of duty, again! You never cease to amaze me John, you gained a customer and a friend. I am proud to say that John West is a friend of mine...

[mbrown2]

Wow...thanks Sgt Wright.....

[dicudmore]

God Bless you Sgt. Eddie Wright you are a true American hero. I am not a religous man by any means but after reading this thread I thank God for people like Sgt. Eddie Wright, he is the reason that America is the greatest Country in the World.
John West is nothing less than a Class Act, he goes above and beyond his call of duty, again! You never seem to amaze me John, you gained a customer and a friend. I am proud to say that John West is a friend of mine...
Barry did you mean "You never cease to amaze me" or "You always seem to amaze me"
I think either would make more sense :wink:
I know, its early

[BarryMac]

Barry did you mean "You never cease to amaze me" or "You always seem to amaze me"
I think either would make more sense :wink:
I know, its early
Thanks for clearing that up Dan, I had a hard enough time typing it through the tears, I knew I would screw it up one way or another...

[dicudmore]

Thanks for clearing that up Dan, I had a hard enough time typing it through the tears, I knew I would screw it up one way or another...
knew what ya meant, just trying to help :D
I understand where you're coming from, I read it early then came back

[Flashover]

That's an incredible story. The both of you have my respect and loyalty. Hats off to SGT Wright & and John West from Ultra. I am happy to see some of our militairy receiving incredible gifts like this....

[shippingguy]

Yeah, we thought he deserved more recognition for what he did. So we decided to honor him by giving him a boat. I'm still looking for trick ideas to make this boat extra special. So if anyone has any ideas, feel free to let me know.
John:
This is not real trick, but it would be cool if you put both the Ultra logos and the Marine Corps logo on the seats just like you did both the Ultra logo and Fear Factor logo in the Fear Factor boat. Great work the boat looks awesome so far. God Bless all of our men and women fighting for OUR FREEDOM over there.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Great thing you are doing John.

[Magic34]

John,
I want to supply him with 2 cases of detailing products for his new boat. Let me know what I can do and where to send it, attention to him or you.
Thanks,
Michael Yanke
Thank you to that fine soldier. I appreciate your efforts for my freedom. Thank you!!!

[shippingguy]

God bless our troops. It is because of these men that I can stay here in the best damn country on earth and have all that I have. All of us our lucky we have these men and women providing for our Freedom. To hell with all who do not support our troops!
John,
What about putting "Semper Fi Edition" or something like that in a few places. Kinda like Jesse's boat was "West Coast Edition"?
I second this. What an incredible story!!!!!!!!! God Bless you Sgt. Wright!!!!

[THOR]

Thanks to Sgt. Wright and to Ultra. Nice job.

[Windy]

Taken back by his story...thanks for sharing John.

[Magic34]

Thanks a lot Michael, send it to Ultra with attention to me,but put Eddies name on it so I can make sure it goes to him.
The address on Bond in El Cajon?
It will be there next week. Thanks!

[atomickitn]

thank you for sharing

[Ultra5150]

John,
Stop trying to look like a badass in that picture, we all know you are one of the nicest guys around.
Tell the Sarge that if he rolls in Havasu, he doesnt need to bring a cooler as long as we are around.
I look forward to seeing that beautiful boat get wet soon.

[GrapeApe]

Stories like this make me feel proud to be an American & Ultra Owner..
Thank you Sgt. Wright, for your Sacrifices for all of us to live free, in such a great place. Your Courage & Bravery has made a Difference. I have a Friend stationed at Camp Fallujah, and I get to hear stories of the Kick Ass Soldiers that he sees on a Daily basis. We sit here, in Air Conditioned offices, and don't give enough respect, thoughts or prayers to our brothers & sisters out there putting it on the line for us and Many Iraqi people Everyday. Thanks, and Hope I get to see you and your Awesome Ultra on the Water Soon...
Welcome to the Ultra Family...
John W./Ultra Crew & Sponsors... Great Work..
*** Grape Ape ***

[RiverDave]

Man, what a great story... More importantly what a great man. :) I'm honored to be a part of making something truly special for him.
RD

[jackpunx]

so.. the big question for me is..
When are you going to put him in this boat?
lets make an event out of it.. its a great excuse for all of us to get together..
and more importantly.. all of us say lots of stuff on the boards.. but.. Lets do it in person..
he can invite some of his buddies.. and we can take them for rides and lie about how fast our boats go..
Mark

[RiverDave]

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that this particular boat is probably going to be getting filmed when he takes delivery (and 1st rides / drive etc..). I'm not sure they'd want 100 other guys there taking the focus off that? Talk to John about all that though.
RD

[ULTRA28]

so.. the big question for me is..
When are you going to put him in this boat?
lets make an event out of it.. its a great excuse for all of us to get together..
and more importantly.. all of us say lots of stuff on the boards.. but.. Lets do it in person..
he can invite some of his buddies.. and we can take them for rides and lie about how fast our boats go..
Mark
That sounds like a great idea. Let me find out what we're doing for the delivery and I'll let you guys know.
I do know that the boat will be back for SEMA and Eddie will be there, but the first run will be in September.

[jackpunx]

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that this particular boat is probably going to be getting filmed when he takes delivery (and 1st rides / drive etc..). I'm not sure they'd want 100 other guys there taking the focus off that? Talk to John about all that though.
RD
not here to take the focus off of anything...
He said it was not about Ultra.. its about honoring a hero..

[RiverDave]

not here to take the focus off of anything...
He said it was not about Ultra.. its about honoring a hero..
Well there ya go. ;) :)
RD

[voodoomedman]

That sounds like a great idea. Let me find out what we're doing for the delivery and I'll let you guys know.
I do know that the boat will be back for SEMA and Eddie will be there, but the first run will be in September.
I'll be at my House in Havasu from the 11th to the 17th or 18th in September. If you are doing the first run there and need help with anything I'd be honored to lend a hand.

[Magic34]

14423 Bond Ct.
El Cajon, CA. 92021
Great, it is on it's way.
I also added a case of each for you as well, for just being a good guy. See, we don't finish last all the time. :crossx:
There will be 4 cases total, 2 for the sgt 2 for you guys.
Thanks again,
Michael

[WYRD]

Awsome Story and what a great jesture of gratutidue John

[atomickitn]

Yeah, we thought he deserved more recognition for what he did. So we decided to honor him by giving him a boat. I'm still looking for trick ideas to make this boat extra special. So if anyone has any ideas, feel free to let me know.
im sure this has been thought of allready but , how about foot pedal and foot trim, for the boat that way he wont be distracted when he drives the boat, other than , looking at the lovely ladies, if at any time i can be of any asintince(sp) id love to help out ....... bobby from dana boats....john you and your crew have again stepped up to the plate, my hats off to you and your crew , and the many men and women that serv are great nation, as tears run down my face , thanks sooooo very much...... Bobby ,and my crew at dana boats.

[RiverDave]

im sure this has been thought of allready but , how about foot pedal and foot trim, for the boat that way he wont be distracted when he drives the boat, other than , looking at the lovely ladies, if at any time i can be of any asintince(sp) id love to help out ....... bobby from dana boats....john you and your crew have again stepped up to the plate, my hats off to you and your crew , and the many men and women that serv are great nation, as tears run down my face , thanks sooooo very much...... Bobby ,and my crew at dana boats.
In control makes a foot throttle and a foot trim switch that's commonly used in outboards, that would work pretty well.
RD

[dicudmore]

In control makes a foot throttle and a foot trim switch that's commonly used in outboards, that would work pretty well.
RD
true that...98 Vector 21 has that set-up on his Hallett and its pretty damn easy to drive

[Cole Trickle]

My hat is off to Sgt. Eddie Wright for sacraficing so much for our country! I also would like to applaud J.West and the rest of the people that donated time,product's or effort to such a worthy cause!!! :)
I have worked on the show "Overhaulin" more than a couple times where I donated countless hours of time working on cars for people that in no way deserved/earned what was given to them.
Sgt. Wright earned it and then some! :cool:
I would have been truly honered to work on this gentelmans boat regardless of what it entailed so he could be rewarded for being a truly great American.I would love to be on the lake to support him when he gets his new beautiful boat delivered.
Brandin

[Ultracrazy]

ItÂ’s all been said beforeÂ…Â…but thank you, thank you, thank you.
Hats off to everyone involvedÂ…Â…Â…..
God Bless America
Steve Booth

[atomickitn]

In control makes a foot throttle and a foot trim switch that's commonly used in outboards, that would work pretty well.
RD
its a nice piece we insalled one in a 23' looks cool and functions well ..

[RiverDave]

Check your PM's.
RD

[atomickitn]