A local Commack resident was wounded on patrol in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Lt. Sam Orlan, attached to the 1st squadron of the 75th Calvary Regiment in 101 Airborne Division, was on patrol with a soldier from the government of Afghanistan when he was struck by an IED. Although the soldier from Afghanistan needed an amputation, Orlan is expected to make a full recovery.
According to family and friends of the soldier,he was propelled by the explostion and suffered a concussion and a fracture of the T2 vertebrate. He also has bruising, but none of the injuries are expected to be life threatening.
Orlan is a graduate of Commack High School and upon graduation attended Norwich Miltary Academy, where he completed the Army ROTC program and was commissioned as an officer in 2008. His prior postings include working in the ROTC program at Hofstra University.
Orlan is expected to remain at the acute military hospital for another few days for closer examination of his injuries and to ensure no unforeseen complications arise. After being released, he is also expected to be transferred to a step down unit where he will remain for four weeks to continue his rehabilitation.
