Editor Paul J. Metzner H43huskie@yahoo.com	Dedicated to the little helicopter with “Blades of Wood” flown by “Men of Steel” January 2008 Edition 21	Editor Steve Mock pedronews@libby.org

“To Fly IS HEAVENLY – TO HOVER IS DiVINE”

Help Stamp out Fixed Wings

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INTRODUCTION

As I sit here in the Seattle V.A. Hospital during this holiday season I am thankful for everything that the good LORD has given me. For those of you that haven’t heard, I experienced a Spinal Cord Injury on the 24^th of October.

The V.A. had me flown by Air Ambulance from my home town of Libby, MT to Harbor View Trauma Center in Seattle, WA where surgery was performed. The injury initially left me with the inability to stand or walk, but that has changed. After my health issues were dealt with, I was transferred to the Puget Sound Health Care System (V.A.) Hospital for rehabilitation.

“It’s Alive; L to R: me, Dr. Freiedrich and Quynh, my Physical Therapist.

With the help of humor, good Doctors and an outstanding Physical Training/Occupational Training Staff, I am slowly learning to walk again. To use an old axiom, they ride me hard and put me away wet!!!!!

“My First attempt at standing December 2007”

“Standing for the first time was hard and painfull”

“Vertical Again” with the help of PT Elaine

For those who know me, I’m not an overly religious person. That said, I know that I’ve been blessed and had divine help in my recovery.

This is MEG my Occupational Therapist

This last photo is of me doing the “Monster Mash”. Experts say that it takes 2500 repetitions of any action for it to become second hand and natural. Oh well, only 2,445 more reps to go….

Steve

The last few months have been really tough on Steve but just to let you know, all he kept talking about is how to work out the logistics of this news letter. I can’t begin to tell you or thank all the people, here and abroad, who helped to put this one together. I managed to ship a laptop out to him and with a lot of help from friends in Libby and staff at the Hospital, he was able to get “on-line”. Over the past month we were able, with your help, to compile all the info we needed to put out another (we think) fine piece of work.

As you finish your holiday season, take a few minutes to think about the “Vets”, young & old, who are hospitalized. If you have a VA hospital or retirement home near you, take a few minutes, stop by, and bring some happiness to these guys who have given much for our freedom.

I know that this incident with Steve has definitely snapped me back to the real world!!!!

Now let’s get on with the show!!!!! Enjoy!!!!

Paul

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