Wounded Warrior Visits His Sons in Spanaway Thanks to Local Help

Army Soldier Jeremy Sawyer was serving his country in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated three feet from him, taking both of his legs at the knee, rupturing both ear drums and causing numerous other injuries.

Since then, he has been recovering at the Center for the Intrepid at Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio. His wish was to be able to spend his next birthday with his two sons, who live in Spanaway, Wash.

But with airlines unable to assist in the special needs of Wounded Warriors, Veterans Airlift Command contacted Chinook Flight of Everett and Morgan Design Group of Seattle and asked for help. Morgan Design Group's John Parsaie said: "Get the plane ready." Richard Newman, of Chinook Flight, an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve with 24 years service, cleared the schedule and made all the arrangements.

Sawyer was picked up on Friday, Sept. 7, and flown to Thun Field (Pierce County Airport) near Puyallup, where he was able to spend his birthday with his kids prior to going back for more surgery.

Morgan Design loaned its Cessna 414 Chancellor, a twin-engine light executive aircraft. This enabled Sawyer to travel with his mother who has been his non-medical care giver since he was sent directly to Brookes Army Medical Center from Afghanistan. He traveled with a collapsible wheel chair and pertinent medical support items for his care and comfort. Seats were removed from the plane to allow more room for these care items.

The flight was also possible through the generous donation of discounted fuel and services provided by Million Air Aircraft Support Services of San Antonio.

Editor's note: Information from Pierce County website.