Monkeying around

Winter in near

Little man

Snug

Tent fishing

If you leave your tent up till November, it just might blow into the
creek. Thank you beavers for your dam that prevented this tent from
sailing away.

Winter in near

Pap stopped by

Due for an oil change

Pumpkins

Forwarded Air Force Print News story: Laughlin lieutenant loses leg, returns to pilot training

Leigh (Lap2173@aol.com) has sent you a Air Force Link story. You can view the original story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123228804.

Laughlin lieutenant loses leg, returns to pilot training
By Joel Langton
47th Flying Training Wing public affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- A lieutenant here received word Oct. 29 that he will return to pilot training at the 47th Flying Training Wing here within the next month.

1st Lt. Ryan McGuire lost a leg in a boating accident 13 months ago. Since the accident, Lieutenant McGuire has completed rehabilitation using his prosthetics, completed the Air Force Marathon and competed in The Warrior Games. Since July 2010, he has been back on duty at Laughlin Air Force Base, but not in pilot training.

"When I first lost my leg, I never dreamed this day would come," Lieutenant McGuire said. "But leadership here has supported me every step of the way, and honestly, they're the ones who gave me this dream to come back."

The 47th FTW wing commander said it was a no-brainer to support Lieutenant McGuire in his efforts.

"When I first met Lieutenant McGuire, it was obvious that this young man is something special," said Col. Michael Frankel, the 47th FTW commander. "He has always had a positive attitude. I've never seen him down, never see him upset, he's always been pressing forward trying to achieve his goals. I look forward to the day when he graduates from pilot training, and I can hand him a set of silver wings."

Lieutenant McGuire was injured Sept. 6, 2009 when he was yanked from a boat while jetting across a lake at 40 mph. He was lifted out of the boat by a rope tied to an inner tube when the wind caught the tube, pulling him out. As a result of the accident, his hip was dislocated, his pelvis was fractured, and his right foot was mangled.

He was rescued from the lake and then taken by ambulance to Val Verde Regional Medical Center in Del Rio, Texas. Ten hours after the accident, he arrived by helicopter at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

Initially, doctors attempted to repair the foot, but five weeks later, he lost much of his right leg below the knee.

"It was so surreal," Lieutenant McGuire said. "It probably really didn't hit home until I woke up after the surgery. I woke up after and my mom started crying. I pretty much knew then it wasn't just a bad dream."

As a child, Lieutenant McGuire wanted to be an Air Force pilot. His dream eventually led him to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"I never wanted to give up my dream," he said.

That burning passion led him through months of sometimes painful rehabilitation, as he relearned to walk and then run. In August, he went before a medical board where he was found fit for duty. Two days later, a waiver was submitted to return him to pilot training, which was approved Oct. 29.

There are a active-duty pilots with prosthetics. Lieutenant McGuire however, is the first student to be returned to training status.

Lieutenant McGuire said he's learned a lot through the whole ordeal, but really learned the meaning of Air Force family.

"I went to the Academy and such, and it was a great time and we experienced a lot of camaraderie," he said. "However, throughout this, my Air Force family, and my real family, has been by my side throughout.

"The day of the accident, I had commanders at the hospital with me, helping take care of my real family and ever since, they've been in my corner helping and pushing me as needed," he said.

Adventures with Wyatt

Today at Hobby Lobby, Wyatt managed to run his head into a shelf. He
aslo broke two Christmas ornament for a total vaule of $3.50. I know
his Mommy should not have given him the ornaments to play with. This
small detail is noted.

Helper boy

I spent hours as a young girl helping my Grandpa wash dishes. Now, I
am teaching Wyatt how to wash dishes too. Granted, he thinks it's just
fun to play in water and bubbles.

Also, please only look at my adorable child in this pictures. Please
do not attempt to figure out why my behind looks deformed and
misshaped. Here is what I think.

Alpha: I'm hunched over becuase these custom cabinets where made for a
5 foot 2 inch Grandma.

Beta: My leg is resting on the chair. I wanted to stand like a flamingo.

Charlie: The space where Wyatt and I have crammed ourselves is quite
small. Making my hind end seem grotesquly large.
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Happy Fall Ya'll

Wyatt 14 1/2 months

Mary is getting Married

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New Toy

Cya

New Toy

Buckle up.

New Toy

Uncle Paul brought out a new toy to the farm. The Razor has seat belts
an a roll bar. Everyone feels a little safer.

Forrest Ridge Parade

Wyatt and Gran T watched the parade this morning. Wyatt had this
expression on his face almost the entire time. He loved watching the
fire truck, police car and ambulance. But, his favorite was the boom
Boom boom of the Stebbins Marching Band! Go Indians :)

Roar like a Loin

This kid loves to be silly. Thank you GranT for my new Lion costume.

Mall rides

Since taking Wyatt to Chukie Cheese, he has developed a loving
relationship with these coin operated rides. We still have yet to pay
a single penny for all the enjoyment. I hope this continues. Please
don't tell my son these contraptions actually move with a few magical
quarters.