Airmen collect money for Colton Read - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Airmen collect money for Colton Read

Airmen and friends have raised thousands of dollars for Airman 1st Class Colton Read, who lost his legs after a botched gallbladder surgery.

Airmen in Read’s unit, the 9th Intelligence Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., and across the service have rallied to help him and his family.

The unit has provided hot meals and collected more than $8,000, which will go to Read’s wife, Jessica. The 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron collected $4,800 by selling baked goods in front of two Wal-Mart stores near Beale.

The Air Force also authorized round-trip tickets, lodging near the hospital and per diem for up to 30 days for Read’s wife, mother and father.

“We really know now why Colton felt like he had a family in the Air Force. They have all been like brothers to him,” said Terry DeBrow, Read’s grandmother.

Read, who remained in serious condition July 30 at University of California Davis Medical Center, has undergone 14 surgeries to keep him alive and possibly save part of his right leg.

Read’s ordeal began July 9 when he went in for surgery at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. A resident at the hospital punctured his aorta during the surgery. Doctors stopped the bleeding from the aorta, but blood clotted in arteries leading to his legs, causing severe tissue damage.

DeBrow said the family still wants to know why it took eight hours to transport Read from Travis to UC Davis. Family members said the delay probably cost Read his legs.