Page 12 - February 2015 Volume 9, Number 2

“Some of these veterans’ stories have really affected my life, I mean absolutely changed my life and still bring tears to my eyes. And keep in mind, I’m a crotchety old Vietnam vet, business owner and grandpa.”
One of those passengers was Army Sgt. Matthew Melancon, who lost both his feet when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle in Afghanistan. During a flight from Texas to New Mexico, Melancon told Hise that the injury was the best thing that ever happened to him because he now appreciated the good things in life.
“When someone with grievous injuries like Matt is able to have that outlook, it’s really special,” Hise said. “You meet some of the most wonderful people when you’re doing this – from the veterans and their families to the people running VAC. And the FBOs almost always step up, offering a fuel discount, waving ramp fees and bending over backward to help.”
More pilots needed
“The war might be winding down but the need for flights has not stopped. Veterans Airlift Command is here for the long haul,” Salvati said from VAC headquarters in Minnesota.
Some who request transportation are no longer in hospital settings but they require travel for medical care, and some wounded warriors are still seeking treatment for injuries sustained as many as 10 years ago.
10 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
Andrew Smith, front right, was an Army Specialist on his first tour in Afghanistan in 2012 when he stepped on an IED, losing both legs and suffering severe abdominal injuries. He spent 20 months in the hospital recovering from his injuries. In this photo he’s with his family and his service dog on CHI Aviation’s King Air 200C during a Veterans Airlift Command flight.
“I’ve got a triple amputee in Denver right now who needs to go to San Diego for a consult on a hand transplant,” she said. “Many of our soldiers need specialized treatment, and it’s not something they can find at their local VA hospital.”
Visit veteransairlift.org to find out more on being a volunteer pilot, donating money or to request transportation for a wounded warrior. KA
VAC Founder Walter Fricke
is a decorated former
Army aviator, having flown
hundreds of combat
missions as an Army
helicopter pilot with the
68th Assault Helicopter
Company in Vietnam. He
received the Vietnamese
Cross of Gallantry with the Silver Star and palm, two Bronze Stars, 21 air medals and a Purple Heart. (PHOTO CREDIT: MAX HAYNES)
FEBRUARY 2015