Thank you for the inspiring story of our local and heroic double amputee (“To fly again; Injured Army National Guard helicopter pilot holds fast to her dream,” Tempo, May 12). Her courage and determination to fly again confirms that the human spirit can overcome the worst tragedies. Instead of feeling victimized, she is focused on her recuperation goals, one step at a time.
Some would see her loss as a stumbling block, an obstacle too big to overcome, but this young woman sees her situation as a stepping stone, a personal challenge to return to the National Guard as a double-amputee pilot.
My father is a single-amputee who enjoys whitewater canoeing, water skiing and golfing, among other activities; he refuses to feel pity for himself, and he refuses to accept pity from anyone else. He taught his kids by example that nothing is impossible.
I am humbled by the sacrifice this woman made for our country.
