Dawg alumnus Lance Cpl. Billy Drake, severely injured in Iraq by a roadside bomb on December 8, 2006, returned "home" on January 20 and is currently a patient at the Berwick Retirement Village II.

What fantastic news!!

Original Post - December 10, 2006

Billy Drake, a 2005 graduate of Berwick High School, an alumnus of Berwick Wrestling, and currently a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marines, was injured on December 8 while serving in Iraq.

The Berwick Wrestling Family sincerely requests that everyone pray for Billy.

Billy's mother Laurie, in an article by Liz Raftery published in the Press-Enterprise on December 10, states "He does have injuries, but we don't know the extent of them yet.  All we know right now is that they were coming back from patrol and his vehicle hit an IED (improvised explosive device)."

Laurie states that she received a phone call from Billy's commanding officer on Saturday morning, December 8,  informing her of this tragic news.  Laurie states she has not currently been able to speak with medical personnel and was receiving conflicting reports of what exactly has happened.

The newspaper article states that Billy will be airlifted to a military hospital in Germany, then likely will be brought back to the United States.

The Drake family has been a "wrestling family" for many years.  Billy was a 3-year starter for Berwick Wrestling and was a 2005 District Medalist at 160lbs despite competing with a nagging injury throughout his senior season.  Billy entered into wrestling at a much later time than most kids.  His relentless work ethic made him one of the fastest most-improved wrestlers this webmaster can recall. For Billy to end his high school career with a District Medal around his neck was a proud moment not just for Billy, but for the rest of the Berwick Wrestling Program.

Billy was a key contributor of Berwick Wrestling's 2005 PIAA Class AAA District 2 Tournament Team Champions, the team of the "Legendary Saturday To Remember," where the Dawgs clawed back from near oblivion to start the second day of district competition to winning the district team title by day's end.  Billy's mother Laurie served as Past President of Berwick Wrestling's MatBackers and tirelessly gave of herself continually for the betterment of the Berwick Wrestling Program.  Billy is the son of William and Laurie Drake of Berwick and the grandson of Doris Drake, Berwick, and Joan Gay, Honesdale.

The Berwick Wrestling Family prays that Billy will be restored to full health.  The Berwick Wrestling Family also extends our support and prayers to the entire Drake family in their time of need.

Update On Billy Drake
December 15, 2006
Billy Is Now "Stable" In Military Hospital
In Bethesda, Maryland

Lance Cpl. Billy Drake was transferred from the military hospital in Germany to a military hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday evening, December 12.

It is the same military hospital in which former Dawg Derrick Sharpe has been for the past several months recuperating from an amputated right leg and other major injuries (see Sharpe article).

Billy is currently in stable condition and his parents, William and Laurie, plan to stay in Bethesda as long as necessary while he begins the recovery process.  Billy's overall prognosis is good.

In an article by Liz Raftery published in the Press-Enterprise on December 15, doctors state that Billy is now stable, but fighting infections in open wounds he suffered.  When the vehicle Billy was in was hit by a roadside bomb, he suffered a fractured pelvis, fractured right ankle, and his right hip also received injury that required surgery.

Laurie further states, "This is very hard. I don't think I've done anything harder. You never want your kids to be hurt.  We are very, very, lucky.  Billy has all his limbs. A lot of people don't make it out like that."

Laurie states she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy and support from the local community.  Laurie helped with fundraising when Derrick Sharpe was injured and the support has now come full circle. Laurie further said, "Thank God, we think he can be pretty much mended, maybe back to normal.  His recovery is going to be very lengthy, but at least he can recuperate.  We have to look at it that way."

We sincerely ask that everyone continue to pray for Billy.  Place Billy and Derrick (see other alumnus Derrick Sharpe injured in Iraq) on prayer lists, get your local church to pray for them, and spread the word to pray.

Those wishing to offer words of support may send them to:

Billy Drake
1212 Dell Dr.
Berwick, PA  18603

Billy's family will get the mail to him.  Once Billy can receive mail at the military hospital, a new address

Update On Billy Drake
December 11, 2006
Billy Is In Serious Condition
A Slice Of Good News Is That He Is Soon
To Be Transferred to Bethesda Maryland

This webmaster spoke with Billy's mother, Laurie, at noon on December 11, to express our collective concern and offering of prayers for the full restoration of health for Billy.  Laurie was very thankful for all the support and prayers received on Billy's behalf.  She provided the following update to share with all - so everyone - keep praying!!

After Billy incurred his tragic injuries when his patrol vehicle got hit by an roadside bomb (IED), Billy was quickly treated and then transferred to a military hospital in Germany.

Billy is currently in serious condition with a fractured pelvis, fractured right ankle, and his right hip also received injury that required surgery.  Those were the major injuries but there is other less critical stuff as well.

Laurie stated that Billy's overall prognosis is relatively good, all things considered.  Billy is broken, but God-willing can be fixed.  However, there will be a long road ahead for all facets of recovery.

A slice of good news is that Laurie was contacted today and it appears likely that Billy will be transferred from the military hospital in Germany to arrive at a military hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday evening.

Billy is coming home.  Not home home - but home in the U.S. (appears that both Laurie and my wife speak from the same dictionary).  The news of the upcoming transfer to Bethesda is great joy to the entire Drake family.