OH Village in Bethesda, MD welcomes the Elliott Family
When Marine Corps Capt. Tommy Elliott was deployed to the Mediterranean and northern Africa he began to experience severe abdomen pain. Over that year, the pain became so severe, he could no longer stand.
Doctors aboard the ship where he served were stumped. Once home, with the help of more sophisticated medical equipment, the cause was obvious. Tommy suffered from Crohn’s disease, a painful and often life threatening inflammatory bowel disease.
The aviation supply officer was sent for surgery to remove part of both his small and large intestines. Afterwards, scar tissue built up inside his abdomen and Tommy was unable to process food. He was not allowed to eat for two months to allow his bowels to heal.
As Tommy rested, his wife was busy with the couple’s newborn baby. The family lived at a local hotel, in a single room without a refrigerator or much privacy. Operation Homefront gave the family a peaceful home.
Now, Tommy’s condition changes day to day because the medicines he must take compromise his immune system. He receives weekly injections. He said living at the village has made it easier for the family to attend his many appointments because they are living closer to the hospital.
Though he hopes to remain in the Marines, he is not sure he will be permitted to. His wounds are not due to enemy combat, which is often a requirement for wounded Marines to continue to serve, Tommy said. And he is unable to deploy because of his the medicine he takes.
Living at the Operation Homefront Village is helping the family to save money in case he is unable to continue in the Marine Corps.
“This will help us prepare,” he said. “It will be very helpful.”