The request from Jeffrey C.:

Dear Luke’s Wings,

My name is Jeffrey C. I am a sergeant in the US Army. I’m writing today to ask for tickets for myself and my family so that we can travel home for Thanksgiving.

On October 1, 2007, I was on patrol with a Parachute Infantry Regiment in Samarra, Iraq when we came into heavy small arms contact. The last thing I remember was bounding forward through an alleyway leading my fire team to destroy a positively identified enemy location when an RPG was fired down an intersecting alley way. It struck me in the face and shoulder and exploded about 15 meters behind me causing shrapnel to strike my left leg and shoulder.

The blast shattered my jaw. I’ve had multiple surgeries to put in hardware, followed by multiple cosmetic surgeries to my face. I have also had multiple severed nerves to my face, shoulder, back, and left leg due to multiple large lacerations from the shrapnel blast. The blast also destroyed part of my hand. Titanium hardware was put in my right wrist and hand due to multiple fractures where bone could not be salvaged. Due to the blast, I also suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury.

I have been in Walter Reed Army Medical Center for just over 2 years. I hope to be out of here within 6 months. Currently I undergo occupational therapy twice a week. I undergo TBI Physical Therapy 4 to 6 times weekly. I also visit the behavioral health clinic for anxiety disorder and PTSD once a week.

This Thanksgiving, I would like to fly my wife Sarah and my 6 month old son who I have only gotten to hold twice since his birth due to the fact they live in England right now and we are still working out their residency status. I would like to fly them over from England to Washington D.C. from November 17 to November 26. My mom and dad plan to come here during their visit to meet their new grandson for the first time. It would mean the world to me to have my entire family with me this holiday. Please let me know if this will be possible.

Sincerely, Sergeant Jeffrey C

Luke’s Wings Response:

Dear Jeffrey,

This Thanksgiving, Your wife and son are airborne. Luke’s Wings and its supporters, sponsors, and partners are going to make sure they are at your table this Thanksgiving. It is an added bonus that your parents will be there to meet their new grandson for the first time; A fine young man, indeed.

Please contact Khim L at MacNaire Travel Management to book everyone’s flights. She has been given the green light to handle all your travel arrangements. Our case manager, Jenn M has been assigned to your case and can connect you with our network of partner charities in case you need anything while your family is on site.

Thank you again, Jeffrey, for your bravery, your courage, and your commitment to your country and to us. This Thanksgiving, we give thanks to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Luke’s Wings