Tom McCloskey, Kevin's father told Action News reporter Erin O'Hearn, "I just wish I could do it for him... or just take the pain away. The emotions are going to be, the emotions are going to be overwhelming."
In the McCloskey home Tuesday night, there was grief, uncertainty and frustration. Over the weekend they received news their 20-year-old son, Kevin had been injured while serving in Afghanistan. Kevin's legs had to be amputated from the knee down and there was shrapnel in his face.
"He has to get up everyday and realize he has no feet how can you do that with a smile everyday," Kevin's father said.
It is Kevin's smile, sense of humor and love for life that set him apart from other 20 year olds. The North Catholic Grad was a wrestler in high school and decided to use his physical strength to serve his country. He made the decision to join the Army when he was a 18. It was a decision he made on his own.
"He loved being a part of something bigger than him," his father said.
The McCloskeys called the hospital in Germany Monday and the nurses put the phone up to Kevin's ear.
"We were telling him that we loved him and we were going to be there soon," Kevin's mother Joanne told Action News. "The nurse said he was becoming agitated so we couldn't talk long. But I know he heard us."
"He's strong and with him being as physically fit and he's determined and strong. If anyone can do this, it's Kevin," Michelle Alicea, Kevins' sister, said.
"I just want him to have his personality back and to be proud of himself and not disappointed," said Kevin's mother Joane. "I just want my son back."
Kevin was transferred to a hospital in San Antonio Texas Tuesday night. His parents will be traveling there today (Wednesday) while his brother and sister will fly in on Thursday. They are all hoping he will be able to return home soon.
