The Bradford Salvation Army captain who suffered serious head
injuries in a van versus logging truck accident Dec. 7 on Route 66
in Wetmore Township is now resting at home awaiting the
holidays.

Capt. Henry Weigner was initially listed in serious condition
after being involved in the head-on collision, which totaled the
Salvation Army van he was driving.

His wife, Capt. Deborah Weigner, called The Era to say her
husband was “on (the) road to recovery,” and had been released from
Hamot Medical Center in Erie, where he was treated directly after
the crash.

Weigner went on to say her husband is set to return to Hamot in
January, however, for re-evaluation of his injuries and
condition.

Capt. Henry Weigner’s accident couldn’t have come at a worse
time for the Salvation Army or its beneficiaries, as it left Capt.
Deborah Weigner and the organization’s small staff to collect,
assemble and distribute food packages for 300 needy families in the
Bradford area without his help.

The task was accomplished with no small amount of hard work and
even some Christmas miracles, and the packages were assembled last
week as Capt. Henry Weigner rested and recovered from serious head
injuries.

The packages are set to be distributed Tuesday from the
YWCA.

And while many area residents showed their care and commitment
by volunteering to help the Salvation Army when help is needed
most, other residents traveled to Erie to visit with Capt. Weigner
in the hospital, he said.

“I am totally amazed and proud,” Weigner said in a muffled, weak
voice from his home Friday night, “of the area residents … this was
very special … all the cards and letters.” He said it was also
important to him to know so many volunteers helped out in his
absence.

“It is very much appreciated and has not gone unnoticed,” Capt.
Weigner said. “We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough.” He went on to say
the outpouring of community spirit isn’t the only thing he has to
be thankful for.

“I have five fractures in my face,” he said. “It’s an act of God
that I’m still alive.” He thanked those residents and friends who
have prayed for him since the accident, adding, “thank you and keep
praying.”

Capt. Deborah Weigner said her husband is still healing and
needs lots of rest. Cards and well-wishes are appreciated, she
said, but asked that residents eager to visit with Capt. Henry
Weigner wait until he has had a chance to do some more
recuperating.