PFC Dan Gronde was the victim of an I.E.D in Afghanistan on July 24th. He suffered fragmentation wounds to his abdomen and back. His buddy suffered knee damage. With a very grateful and troubled look he tells me feels lucky. Most of the casualties in his unit's area suffer limb loss or death.
Dan is on medical leave here in Indianapolis, and got treated to a meal at Chili's. He didn't realize that while he ate, a small crowd of family, friends, vets and even a member of the Young Marines were gathering outside to greet him.
There were cameras, hugs, handshakes and Dan graciously accepted all of it, looking a bit embarrassed at all the attention.
Then it was time to go to the Legion Hall, with a police escort. There are lots of ways to travel in style, but his family found something unique. Dan is a big fan of Batman.
Mark Racop of Logansport builds officially licensed 1966 Batmobiles.
Quite a few thousand locals must have wondered what kind of emergency required the attention of police, Batman and Soldiers.
I have to admit, it was fun being in one of the chase cars, watching people pull over, and the expressions on faces, especially of young men in their rice burners. Sorry, son, but no matter what you do to your Honda, it will never be as cool as a 1966 Batmobile.
The Legion had their own greeting ready.
Dan was very gracious and modest, with strangers and children, and was a gentleman with maturity and manners far beyond his 20 years.
By the way, just in case you ever wondered, the secret to the Batmobile is a Chevy engine
And rockets for backup
Please extend wishes of recovery and good luck to PFC Gronde, and thanks to Chili's, the Zionsville Police and Fire Departments, the American Legion, and Mark Racop of www.FiberglassFreaks.com.