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May 23, 2008 Novi HS 2001 graduate Casimir Werda joined the US Army in the summer of 2005. Cas had been a football player and was a member of Coach Kellepourey's first District win over Portage Northern in November 2000. While serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade combat team in Iraq, Werda was injured when an Incendiary Explosive Device exploded on a direct hit to the Hum-Vee in which Casimir was serving as a machine gunner. After numerous surgeries in Baghdad, he was flown to Germany and eventually was treated at an Army Medical Center in the US. He suffered severe injuries to his face and because a piece of shrapnel entered under his right eye, his cheek bone shattered and he was blinded. He recently completed his blind rehabilitation in Florida, and frankly his attitude is amazing. He is refusing to allow this unimaginable setback prevent him from a productive life. Werda was a warrior on the football field, and is a warrior in life. While serving his country, he was dealt a bad hand at a young age but it has not dampened his resolve to face and conquer whatever life has to present. On this Memorial Day Weekend, and beyond, we are blessed to be able to see our children compete, watch our favorite local teams as they strive to win a Stanley Cup or an NBA Championship, and most importantly we have the freedom to come and go as we please, thanks to the unsung efforts of local heroes like Cas Werda. My only regret is that Casimir Werda, American hero and Novi native, won't be able to read this article. I hope someone will read it to him... (c) 2008 Novi
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