There are many ways to support our troops But one Austin professional has joined a small group that has already helped more than 17 hundred wounded soldiers on the road to recovery.
The weapons of war have changed thousands of american lives forever. Away from the chaos - the Center For The Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio is where some of the most seriously injured warriors go to heal. For some the best way to continue rehabilitation is by spreading their wings and leaving Intrepid if only for a short time.
The rehabilitation in a northwest Austin office is very different. Doctor David Nelson has been an orthodontist in Austin for 25 years. He is also an army veteran - having flown cobra attack helicopters in Vietnam. These days Doctor Nelson spreads his wings by helping wounded soldiers.
As a private pilot Doctor Nelson volunteers his time and his twin engine cessna 425 with Veterans Airlift Command. "Last summer i got an email asking if i would be interested in helping out" he said. VAC as it's called is a completely civilian organization of pilots helping wounded soldiers reunite with family or attended special events at no cost. According to Dr. Nelson, "you don't know anything about them until you shake their hand and meet them." On this trip we are headed to New Mexico to meet another VAC pilot and shake the hands of 2 soldiers returning to rehab at Intrepid.
"My friends who were hurt and killed in Vietnam with me... what are we 38 years later and I still get emotional about it. I really do. I still remember their names and their faces and stuff like that."
Two hours into our flight we begin the approach. It's bumpy as we aim for a single strip of asphalt in Belen, New Mexico just south of Albuquerque. Already on the ground is Vietnam veteran Neil Hise, the other VAC pilot. This was his first volunteer flight delivering Army Staff Sergeant Tim Norton and Corporal Gabriel Cardoso from an amputee surf camp in California. "It's our small way of giving back to young people who have given more than I have given for our country" says Hise.
According the the Department of Defense 35,944 U.S. service members have been wounded in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sergeant Norton had his leg amputated after being shot in Iraq. Corporal Cardoso's spine was critically injured in an accident. Hise says, "it's so emotional that we are giving something that they can use, it's just wonderful, makes me smile."
"We really appreciate that there are guys out there that are willing to give up their time." says Corporal Cardoso
After hugs and pictures we lift off for San Antonio. Corp Cardoso takes the co-pilots spot. Staff Sgt. Norton stretches out in the back. They are headed for more work, more pain, but the support of people like David Nelson and Neil Hise helps get them through.
"It's overwhelming." says Staff Sgt. Norton. "For all the stuff that is wrong with America, this is what's great about it."
"America has matured to the point of understanding that you can disagree with an action of the government but the people who carry it out still deserve your support." says Dr. Nelson. "And I just think that's incredible. I think these guys deserve everything we can give them."
Veterans Airlift Command operates by donations. If you would like to learn more about the organization visit www.veteransairlift.org
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