Thanksgiving at Home in Alabama

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

A pre-Thanksgiving Upgrade

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

Awards Ceremony

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

 

Tough Cookie

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

Hello Readers!

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!