Billy Waugh Update

Earlier this week Robert 'Bob' Noe drove 15 hours from his home in Louisiana to visit Billy in the rehab center. Bob, who was a SF medic, worked in rehab/nursing homes after the military and has seen a lot of stroke patients. He says that Billy's mental functions, in his opinion, are at the higher end of spectrum for someone who had two strokes.   Bob and Billy looked through John Plasters book "SOG: A Photo History Of The Secret Wars" and when they came to friends of Billy, he recognized them and knew their names (Cliff Newman, Sammy Hernandez, Melvin Hill, Maggie, etc.). He recognizes his wife Lynn and next-door neighbor "Q" and when Bob returned the day after his initial visit, Billy knew he had seen him the day before, showing that his short term memory is doing pretty well. He's feeding himself and was excited to be able to get out of his room and eat in the facilities dining area. Although he can't yet walk, he has feeling in all his limbs. He's physically frail but rehab should help with that. Some trouble with communications but seems to be improving.   The medical staff will be doing a full eval of Billy in the next few days and Lynn will update Bob Noe, who will update me (Bonnie) so that I can share any major news with Billy's friends in the SOA.    He's in a rehab center in Tampa, FL and his Lynn said she's OK with visitors stopping by. The address is:   Fletcher Health and Rehabilitation Center 518 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 265-1600   Retired Special Forces SGM Gerald Mallare, who lives about 19 miles from Tampa, has offered to let friends of Billy stay at his home if their visit requires a RON. Bob Noe will coordinate with SGM Mallare, so email Bob at sog1rlnoe@aol.com   Lets all keep Billy and Lynn in our prayers and thoughts.