Email from Nate on 12/15/08:

Dear Luke's Wings,

My name is SPC Nathaniel H, US Army.  I am a 92 Foxtrot fueler for XXth MTN, XXth Aviation, 6-6 CAV, ECHO troop. I am currently at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for psychological aid. I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I am not allowed to leave, because I am susceptible to pseudo-seizures induced by anxiety. This has been going on since late February of 2008; I have been trying to seek help since December of 2007, for depression. While being examined in Lahndstuhl, Germany, after being in Iraq for only two weeks, I was also diagnosed with high Iron and Thyroid problems, at which time I was sent to Walter Reed for further treatment.

I am asking for assistance to get my children here to see me for New Year's and a little beyond because I have not seen my children in 6 months. With them being in Memphis, and me being stationed at Fort Drum, NY, it is very hard to see them as much as I would like. Before I left for Iraq, I promised my children that they could come see me when I got back. I called Luke's Wings and became very excited when I was told your organization would help me get home for Christmas. During the process to check out, I discovered my situation was a little bit worse than I had thought. I am a high-risk patient for various reasons. As a result, I was unable to make it home for Christmas. I was slightly discouraged, but the staff at Luke's Wings gave me hope again. They told me that I still might yet get to see my family because they can bring my family to me.

I am very proud of my choices to join the military and the work I have done while serving. I have no real war stories to speak of, as others do. My injuries are not as physical as others are. I did not think that I even belonged in a Wounded Warrior Program. With the help I am getting at Walter Reed, I am beginning to see that not all wounds are visible. I appreciate those who are able to see that, as well. I was there at the kick-off of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and was kept in high anticipation. Although I won't be able to complete this tour, I was in Iraq in 2008 for two weeks. I saw what those have done before me know what will be done by those who come after me. It was an eye-opening experience. It truly helps me understand why others are proud to serve like me. We are doing amazing things over there... things that are never reported by our domestic media. I appreciate all the help and hard work you have done for me because it lets me know I am just as appreciated and cared about as the rest of our brave men and women in uniform. When I feel down, I'll always look back to these moments when Luke's Wings and other organizations showed that even I matter.

Sincerely Yours,
Nathaniel H, SPC, US Army

Luke’s Wings Response on 12/25/08:

Dear Nathaniel,

Thank you for your service and for considering us as an organization that can provide you with help during this holiday season. We are very pleased to inform you that on Friday, December 19th, more than 150 Luke’s Wings volunteers, sustaining members, and supporters came together at Skye Lounge in Washington D.C. to raise enough money to purchase all five (5) plane tickets for your wife and four small children so that they may be with you on New Year’s Eve.

At Luke's Wings, we recognize that ALL veterans deserve proper care, irrespective of whether their injuries are physical or psychological.  We stand in admiration of your personal efforts to carry out combat duty, despite your pressing need for treatment.  We are pleased to hear that you are now receiving proper care, and commend you for having the courage to seek it out.

It is because of soldiers like you that your children can grow up to pursue their dreams with freedom from fear, and we stand humbled to be able to ease their pain of being away from their father; even if it is for only a few days.

Nathaniel, we wish you many blessings in the days, weeks, and months ahead as you progress through your recovery.  We hope that the time spent with your children is everything you've imagined it to be. 
And if darkness falls on the lonely nights to come – remember the light shining from the eyes of Josie, Katie, Zion, and Tala.  Your children are the loved ones for whom you recover.

We will be flying your family, as requested, from Tuesday, December 30th to Saturday, January 3rd.  Please contact Khim L at MacNair Travel Management. All the plane tickets have been purchased and are ready to go. Khim can be reached at 703-XXX-XXXX. Also, please contact our partner, Diane S at The Yellow Ribbon Fund. They may be able to help with housing, meal vouchers, and taxi vouchers while your family is in town.

Please call me at your earliest convenience to go over everything. I will be your Luke’s Wings liaison from this point forward.  

God Bless you and Happy New Year!

Jessica D
Committee Leader, Communications and Logistics Luke’s Wings