Mark Allen (Cody Allen) Story for the guests of the Bryn Johnson fundraiser 06/14/10

Request from Michelle on 09.01.09:

Dear Michelle,

We were moved to hear this story. The uniqueness of this request is particularly meaningful to us and our team at Luke's Wings. We have never received a request from a 12 year old son and we have never received a request pertaining to an injury of this type.

We understand from our conversation that our hero, Mark A., was shot in the head by a sniper during a combat mission in Afghanistan in July of this year. After several brain surgeries, he is now in the emerging conscious program at the VA Hospital in Tampa. It's encouraging to know that he is finally beginning to regain consciousness.

We also understand the request for travel is from his 12 year old son, Cody who has asked to be by his father's bedside when his Mark wakes up. They have not seen each other since he left for combat. Of course, we will provide these airplane tickets. We will fly Cody, and his mother and brother too. It would be an honor.

Please know; Luke's Wings is here to stay. We will continue to support you, our heroes, and the VA hospitals for as long as we can. Thank you for everything you've done. Thank you for your work. And most of all, please give our unwavering thanks to Cody. He carries a tremendous responsibility for his father and his family. Being a Service Member, Wounded Warrior, and American Hero is something you do as a family.

Luke’s Wings

Request from David A. on 03.01.10:

Dear Luke’s Wings

Our Son, Mark A., will be undergoing a critical cranioplasty (brain) surgery during the week of March 15. My wife and I have no means of travel to Walter Reed. But we need to be there. This is a critical surgery and we need to be with our son right now. Please let us know if you can assist.

Thank you. David A.

Luke’s Wings Response on 03.14.10:

Dear David,

We are very happy to assist you and your family with these ongoing travel tickets. You don't need to thank us. The first time we provided our service to your family was for your 12 year old grandson, Cody. We remember the trip planning vividly. And we remember that Cody sat by Mark's bedside for 3 days over Labor Day weekend last year hoping his father would wake up from the coma and see him. It was a story that touched all of us and re-instilled not just our commitment to Luke's Wings, but our confidence in the human spirit. We are very glad that Mark will now have his parents with him during this important surgery next week. We have received some high level reports that Mark is starting to show signs of recovery. There is no doubt in our minds that having you there will mean the world to him. And we promise, he will surely feel your presence by his side, as we’re sure he could feel Cody's.

Luke's Wings currently has 55 volunteers and a wide array of supporters. We promise we are all praying for your son tonight and will be all week. Please let us know how it goes.

God's speed tomorrow, Sir.

With great respect and appreciation,
Luke’s Wings

Note of Thanks from Rev. David & Valerie A. on 03.14.10:

Dear Luke’s Wings,

Thank you so very much for your kindness. You've made it possible for us to be with Mark as he undergoes his reconstruction this week. This is a major hurdle in his recovery and rehab. We're hoping for a miracle that this surgery will help facilitate some form of communication. If that can be achieved it will go a long way in helping us in his care.

If we can ever be of any service to you, please don't hesitate to call on us.

Thanks Again,
Rev. David & Valerie A.

Luke’s Wings Response on 03.18.10:

Dear David,

We hope Mark's brain surgery was a success. We are all praying for him. In fact, last night, on St. Patrick's Day, we were joined by some 300 supporters at Public Bar in Washington D.C. Everyone at the event heard Mark's story. They all know you are here this week. And they all chipped in to cover the cost of your tickets. All told, we raised $4,942.00. With this money, we will finance your travel this week and any travel you need in the future.

Thank you again for everything you are doing for Mark. You are in our prayers. Please let us know how he is doing whenever it becomes convenient for you.

Always - Luke's Wings

Request from Shannon A. on 06.02.10:

Dear Luke’s Wings,

I’d like to request travel again for Cody. He’s on Summer vacation and would like to visit with his father from 07.06.10 to 08.03.10. He will be on vacation from school so will be able to spend a lot of time with his father. The last time they were together was Thanksgiving last year.

Sincerely
Shannon A.

Response from Luke's Wings on 06.14.10:

Dear Shannon,

Thank you for your request. I have good news. Please let Cody know he will be sharing his summer vacation with his father. Luke’s Wings and Bryn Johnson hosted a fundraiser last Saturday night. We had over 150 people come and dig deep to finance Cody’s trip. After expenses, Luke’s Wings received over $700. This money has been allocated for Cody’s flight.

Please give Cody our very best wishes and let him know how much we appreciate his courage and his maturity. He may be Mark’s son, but he is also an important part of the family, and an important key to Mark’s recover. May the good Lord guide Cody’s way, and bless you all. Please let us know when you need to fly again.

Sincerely,
Luke’s Wings and Bryn Johnson