Related links

FAIRFIELD, Calif - The United States Air Force is addressing questions about a North Texas Airman's botched gallbladder surgery that lead to double amputation. On July 9th, 20 year old Colon Read underwent gallbladder surgery at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California.

Family members say his aortic valve was nicked by a military doctor and then taken to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA where his legs would later be amputated because of poor circulation.

Reads condition is improving but according to Maj. Gen. Bradley Heithold, "the focus right now is to make sure we get him out of the woods." Heithold spoke to reporters following his a visit with Read on Thursday. "We have four ongoing investigations," said Heithold who skirted questions about the militaries responsibility.

Doctors are evaluating muscle loss and determining what can and can't be saved. Through it all, family members are optimistic about Colton's recovery. "We still have Colton." Says his wife Jessica. "And that's how we are able to stay so strong in this. I still have my husband, you know Shelly still has her son, that's how we are able to hold it together."

Colton attended Sam Houston High School in Arlington while his wife Jessica went to Lamar. His dream was to join the Air Force. Today, Air Force officials called Colton part of the Air Force family and release this prepared statement." David Grant Medical Center is conducting an exhaustive review as well as an internal investigation."

The person who performed the botched gallbladder surgery was reportedly a resident, a doctor in training. In the private sector it would possibly be a malpractice lawsuit, but federal law prohibits Colton or his family from suing the military. Colton's mom says that law needs to be reviewed. "I do believe that there needs to be some sort of allowances made for those who give up part of their life or their life four our country and for them to have no recourse whatsoever." Says Shelly Read-Miller. "I think that's a real shame."

Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, a ranking member of Veterans Affairs issued this statement: "The Air Force must take responsibility for this tragedy and ensure that this Airman and his family receive full financial and medical support."

Family members say the Air Force has promised it's Colton's choice to stay in the military or not. If anyone can overcome adversity, Jessica says it's Colton. "Thank God he is still alive after what's happened."