by Andy Miller | Dec 4, 2018 | Uncategorized
On this day in 2013, I was presented with an amazing cane from the Aiken Wood Carver’s Club. Victor Fricke from the Club presented it to me at the VA Hospital in Augusta, but he made sure I knew that it had been a group effort by different members of the Club. It was the 24th cane they had made for Wounded Warriors in about two and a half years.
It has a hand-carved and painted eagle head on a lathe-turned stalk. Along the leading edge it has much of my Army résumé — badges, rank, and many of the medals I’ve been awarded.
A huge thank you to the artisans who made this custom cane for me! I’m really honored to have one. I still use it, sparingly but proudly.
December 4, 2013
#Pamir62
#FiveYearsAgo
#FancyCane
by Andy Miller | Dec 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
Thanksgiving 2013 was wonderfully special. I was home! Not for good this time, just for the weekend. But it was a huge step in my recovery and it felt good (but exhausting) to be away from the hospital and my Iron Maiden.
The NCOs from the VA hospital ADRU took me to the Augusta airport for my trip to Dothan and Fort Rucker. I was wearing my Stetson, and walking with a cane. Only my Army cape could have attracted more attention. It was during this trip that I learned that my new hardware doesn’t set off the metal detector at the airport.
I have a video that Lori captured with her iPhone of me strolling out from the secure part of the terminal at the Dothan airport. Aaron, Fiona and Katherine come running up to give me a hug. A wonderful and happy scene.
November 27, 2013
#Pamir62
#FiveYearsAgo
#Thankful
by Andy Miller | Nov 22, 2018 | Uncategorized
On this date in 2013, I was upgraded from using a walker to move around, to using a cane. I was still fairly slow, but I was getting better and stronger every day.
Also on this date in 2013, I received approval to travel home for Thanksgiving, and there was even a charity that donated the frequent flyer points for the ticket.
November 22, 2013
#Pamir62
#FiveYearsAgo
#GoingHome
by Andy Miller | Nov 12, 2018 | Uncategorized
On this date in 2013, the SATMO commander, Colonel Bovy, and other key leaders from Fort Bragg, traveled to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, to present my Purple Heart Medal.
I also received a Bronze Star and an Air Medal for service in Afghanistan during my 12-month deployment.
I was still getting around with the use of a walker; it was even tricked out with a basket on the front. During the awards presentation, I was somewhat propped against a low bench so that my walker wouldn’t be in all the pictures.
I was so happy and so proud to have my family there, as well as several close friends, and several of the doctors and physical therapists that were so instrumental in my progress.
November 12th, 2013
#Pamir62
#FiveYearsAgo
by Andy Miller | Nov 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
I had this greeting card hanging on the wall in my hospital room at the VA. Every time I shuffled by with my walker, or rolled by in my wheel chair, I looked at it.
Thanks for the card,Travis Wallace!
November 4th, 2013
#Pamir62
#FiveYearsAgo
by hafadmin | Aug 29, 2018 | Uncategorized
More than a year after I started using a Facebook page, and now that my book is available for purchase, I am proud to unveil this webpage.
Thank you for visiting!
