The Harvey Family
Native Puerto Rican Feliciano Harvey began his military career with the Army in April 2008. By the end of 2008 Harvey was deployed to Iraq for 10 months. After successfully serving that tour Harvey returned to Ft. Hood in Killeen with the 41st Fires Brigade. Two months after returning from the Persian Gulf, Harvey’s body started showing signs of jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin. Within days, Harvey was sent to the University Health System Transplant Center in San Antonio, Texas where he underwent a liver transplant. The possible cause of his liver damage is believed to be bacteria he may have contracted through the water supply in Iraq. After his surgery, Harvey, wife Auralee, daughter Peggy Lee – age 2, and Harvey’s parents (recently arrived from Puerto Rico) all found themselves rooming together at the Fisher House at Lackland Air Force Base. Thanks to Operation Homefront Village San Antonio the Harvey’s cramped living conditions have been relieved. Since his surgery, Harvey has had little to no strength. Harvey, who originally signed up for a 5 year commitment, now finds himself facing an uncertain future with the Army. His days consist of ongoing treatment, dealing with persistent pain, and a medication schedule that requires him to consume 25 doses a day. Harvey is appreciative of the privacy that his apartment home at OH Village provides for him and his family. The Harvey’s are expecting their second child in March 2009. If Harvey is found to be medically unfit to serve in the Army he plans to draw on his junior college education in cooking and pharmacy tech training.