Jackson, NJ – 2008  Jackson Memorial High School graduate E.J. Borys was injured in Iraq at 11:35 am on Thursday when the truck he was driving was reportedly struck by a “200 pound bomb”.     The incident occured as bomb attacks across Iraq killed nearly 50 people as some fear tensions and violence are once again on the rise in the country.

Borys, whose job in the Army is 11C, an indirect fire infantryman (mortars)  was returning back to his unit’s base at Forward Operating Base Marez when his MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle) vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device.   MRAPS were developed in 2002 specifically to protect U.S. troops from mines and IEDs after many fatalities and injuries were suffered in lesser equipped vehicles.

“You never know when reality will hit you in the face and make you appreciate everything and everyone around you.” Borys said “I just pray nothing happens to anyone I know back home or overseas that happened to me.”

Another soldier was injured in the explosion.    Borys said that he will be on his way to San Antonio today and suffered burns on his hands, neck, shoulder and face.   His condition is reported to be stable and he is doing well considering the blast.  San Antonio is home to the Audy L. Murphy VA Hospital..

E.J. is not the only former Jackson Memorial High School alumni serving in the war zone.  Former student Kyle Johnson just finished a one year tour in Iraq in the U.S. Navy and Alfred Jorgenson, a U.S. Marine will be deploying shortly

He is currently awaiting a flight to return back to the United States, Borys said he would like to see a recent JMHS marching band video.