The request from Warrant Officer Romulo C.:

Dear Luke’s Wings,

My name is Warrant Officer Romulo C. I am a Special Forces combat diver. We came under fire last year while conducting operations in Afghanistan. We were outside our vehicle when it happened. As I turned to help my Afghani interpreter into our vehicle, I was shot in the neck from behind. I am now paralyzed from the neck down and I breathe using a respirator. I am currently at James A Haley Veterans Hospital where I am slowly being weaned off the ventilator before I begin 12 weeks of rehabilitation therapy. I intend to remain in the US Army despite his injury. In fact, I hope to return to my combat unit. I understand I may not be in the field again but would like to assist at the minimum from a planning standpoint. 

I have been lucky enough to have my wife and 2 year old son by my side for most of my hospitalization.  I have several months left in recovery. Thanks to Luke’s Wings, I have also seen my brother and his family who were flown in from Copenhagen, Denmark to my bedside earlier this year. My brother was flown back recently when our father passed away. Nothing about this process has been easy but having travel for my family has helped in so many ways.

That being said, my wife and son need to return home to take care of personal issues. I’ve been asking my wife to take respite for some time and she really needs a break. I request the requisite funds to fly them, along with my wife’s cousin who will assist with care for my son. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Warrant Officer Romulo C

Luke’s Wings Response:

Dear Warrant Office C,

We are pleased to inform you that we will be funding travel for your wife, her cousin, and your son to travel home. As always, we are moved by your story of bravery and heroism. Not only did you sacrifice yourself for our country, but for your friend and fellow human being. You undoubtedly saved his life that day. Further, we find it extremely impressive and brave of you that you wish to return to combat; and extremely unselfish of you to request travel for your family to visit their home. 

t Luke’s Wings, we are proud to reward those who have served our nation so bravely.  Your willingness to get back into the fight only proves the valiance of your nature; and the least we can do is help your family get home for a short reprieve before they return to your side.

Luke’s Wings