Epworth soldier seriously hurt in Afghanistan

A U.S. Army Reserve member from Epworth was struck by a roadside bomb and seriously injured Saturday in Afghanistan.

The Army Reserve said Staff Sgt. Richard Billmeyer, 38, was in stable condition Tuesday after he was wounded while leading his squad, the 469th Engineer Company based in Dodgeville, Wis., in a route-clearing operation in southern Afghanistan.

The soldier's wife, Tracy Billmeyer, said that both of his legs had been amputated - at the knee on his right leg and below the knee on his left. She said her husband, who had been slated to come home in October, also injured a hand. Tracy Billmeyer said that she spoken with her husband multiple times since the injury, and that he has maintained a positive attitude.

“He's in great spirits,” she said. “He's looking forward to the next step in his recovery.”

She is not sure what that next step might be. She said she still knows few details about her husband's recovery or the incident in which he was injured.

The Reserve said Billmeyer will soon be flown to the United States for additional care.

Her voice occasionally shaking, Tracy Billmeyer said that she feels lucky that her husband's injuries weren't worse. She also spoke of his humility and bravery.

“Like a true soldier, he's still worried about his guys who are still there,” she said.

The Billmeyers have three children: sons Jom, 19, and Wolfegang, 13; and an 11-year-old daughter, Lorraine. Besides his military duties, Richard Billmeyer runs Rich and Junnies Vending in Dubuque.