The request from Wade K.:

Dear Luke’s Wings,

My name is Sergeant Wade K. On June 13, 2008, during a refueling mission, I was crushed and dragged by a CH-53E Helicopter while serving in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq. I sustained multiple fractures. I broke my ankle and injured my leg in several places. My left hand was degloved. I am still recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. It’s been over two years. I undergo PT, I have hand surgeries, and I have permanent back issues.

I have an opportunity to visit with my wife in Dallas and would like to request an airplane ticket. Can you help me?

Luke’s Wings Response:

Dear Wade,

Pack your bag. You’ll be airborne this Sunday. We would like you to know that last Friday, over 200 of your friends and supporters gathered for an annual beach party at venue in Georgetown called L2. We raised over $3,600 from tickets sold. Even some of the members chipped in. A young lady named Amanda Polk donated $500. A doctor named Drew Varano from Medical Cosmetic Enhancements donated $250. We were all delighted at the turn out and the support.

Wade, please know, our thoughts and prayers are with you – last Friday, today, and always. You have chosen to defend our great Republic. You stand and deliver without hesitation. You live by an honor code which is, sadly, seldom seen outside the military these days. For all these reasons and more, we admire, respect, and appreciate you. And we will always be here for you, as you have been for us.

Please give our very best wishes to your lovely wife, Rose. Please let her know she has free plane tickets via Luke’s Wings when she wants to travel to San Antonio to visit with you. And please tell her not to worry…you can come home as often as you like…whenever you like.

With great appreciation and respect

Luke’s Wings