Ashley Meeks
Record Staff Writer

Roswell native, Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott P. Lilley, 28, was injured Sunday in Baghdad and is in stable but critical condition at a U.S. military hospital in Germany , according to his family.
The Air Force arranged for Frank and Jolene Lilley, his parents, to fly out immediately to meet their son at the hospital in Landstuhl Air Base, where Sunday Scott Lilley was awarded the Purple Heart by Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, commander of the 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces.
Jolene Lilley said her son, an eight-year veteran, was traveling with his convoy when an improvised explosive device was detonated on a Baghdad road, causing a head injury from shrapnel, as what she described as "a major fire-battle," broke out immediately afterward.
Jolene Lilley said her son was still in a coma, but responsive, and was the only one injured in the incident.
"He did respond," she said. "A while ago, his tech sergeant called and said they had told him to squeeze the nurse's hand, and he did. He's not breathing on his own yet ... It changes hour to hour."
The family is hopeful the stay in Germany is short before their son is transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington , D.C. , which may happen as soon as Wednesday.
Grandfather Jim Lilley, who was a paratrooper in the Korean War, said he was thankful for the prayers of all Roswellites who had called to support the family upon hearing the news.
"The latest news seems to be good news," he said, and hoped that there was more good news to come.
Jolene Lilley said the military was quick to connect with them after the incident in Iraq , calling every hour to check in and making travel arrangements to reunite the family.
"I really don't know what to expect," she said of the reunion. "They want us there when he becomes conscious."
That wish, his mother said, was mutual.
"If I can hug him," she would, she said. "We will just tell him how proud we are of him and that we love him. We're so proud of him."
Jim Lilley repeated that sentiment.
"It makes me choke up," he said. "We're still praying for him and always will. We have another grandson who was over there in the Marines. He's safely home and discharged, so we're happy for him."
But he pointed out that both his grandsons were always proud to serve.
"He's in favor of doing what he can for his country. We still support our country. We hate war," he said, adding, with a chuckle, "I've been there. But we sometimes have got to do what's justified to protect the principals of our country."

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