Randy Haskin wrote:
Quote:
Eric -
That's fantastic, thanks for doing that.
How did that ride get arranged?
I flew at the Columbia MO Salute to Veterans Airshow over the Memorial Day Weekend and they had an outstanding evening banquet where the brought in Veterans from all over the country. I was moved by John's story and just walked over and asked the big Marine (he's about 6'4") if he would like to go for a flight in a big airplane with Marines painted on the side. He was really exited about it and we met the next day and got him all briefed and strapped in and then a big thunderstorm came up and we had to abort, he was really disappointed so I told him I would fly back to Columbia and give him the ride later in the summer. I heard that Mexico Mo was having a small show and it's close to where he lives. I called the Mexico show and asked them if they had room on the ramp and as it turns out the didn't have funds to bring in any warbirds and were thrilled to have the Spad for free. My friend Les Heikkila went with me in his Mustang, also for free, and we had a great time. It was really a nice little show, that is struggling to grow, in it's second year.
Judging by the huge grin on John's face when we were finished with the ride, I think he enjoyed it almost as much as I did.
John is being medically didscharged due to the severity of his injuries. He looks like he has no outward effects from the injuries, other than some wicked scars on the back of his head, but his Mother told me that there are some lingering memory issues that they are still working on with continued therapy.
John told me he hopes to study to be a Physical Therapist, because he hopes to pass on the profound effect that they have had on his recovery, on to someone else.
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