Kurt: Soaring Towards Sunrise

September 30, 2020

Turbulent Takeoff

Kurt is a Veteran who lives in North Carolina. His home state is known for pristine landscapes, from the beaches and salt marshes of the Outer Banks to the foothills and mountains of Asheville. It also boasts the location of the first powered flight. However, if Kurt’s life could be compared to a flight, it would turn out rather turbulent.

“I’m an average guy,” said Kurt, “with unfortunate injuries.” He went on to describe his conditions in a list - post-traumatic stress, multiple traumatic brain injuries, and survivor’s guilt. “I suffer severe anxiety in large crowds and lines,” said Kurt, “as well as from loud noises.”

From Darkness...

The usual therapies weren’t working for Kurt. His doctor recommended an alternate plan for care. This involved attending a Lone Survivor Foundation healing retreat in Houston, Texas.

However, a problem soon arose. The retreat center was more than 1,000 miles away. Driving would take a difficult 18 hours. On the other hand, a commercial flight would be too expensive, and perhaps too stressful as well. Kurt didn’t have the funds to pay for a long flight. He also dreaded the hectic atmosphere of the airport.

Kurt’s quality of life was deteriorating. He felt as if he were slipping into darkness.

...To Daybreak

When a Veteran encounters these problems, it can seem impossible to fly over them. Luckily, a nonprofit and an airline enable them to do just that. The nonprofit: Mercy Medical Angels. The airline: Southwest. Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans arranged travel to the Lone Survivor Foundation retreat, while Southwest provided round-trip tickets.

“I flew into Houston for the Lone Survivor Foundation retreat,” said Kurt, “and my flight was relaxing and peaceful.” While a commercial flight would normally induce stress, Kurt experienced the opposite. “The staff on my flights were accommodating, professional, and entertaining.”

Now, Kurt was on his way up. He was out of the sad darkness - and heading towards a shining daybreak.

"Fantastic People"

After the retreat, Kurt developed healthy ways to deal with his stress and anxiety. He is doing much better. He thanks the Veterans’ program of Mercy Medical Angels for their crucial role in his care.

“The travel assistance increased my quality of life,” said Kurt. “I wouldn’t have been able to get to the Lone Survivor Foundation retreat if it weren’t for Mercy Medical Angels. They’re fantastic people!” He adds, “I’m a proud disabled Veteran – and I’m grateful.”

Veterans like Kurt often suffer from deep inner wounds. But they have a chance at healing. With help from Mercy Medical Angels, Southwest, and Lone Survivor Foundation, Veterans like Kurt can soar towards the sunrise.

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