Patrick Scrogin, CW2 (RET)

 

   On March 01, 2007, I was critically injured in a helicopter crash in Iraq. I lost my left leg above the knee. I had 9 fractured vertebra in my back and a crushed pelvis. The medical outlook for me was not good.

   After an extensive recovery and rehabilitation process and doctors telling me that I would never fly again, I was at a loss, until I met Henry and Celia with the Moonlight Fund. When they found out my love and desire of aviation, they helped me get back into the cockpit of a helicopter by funding my commercial flight instructorrating. I am one of very few amputees in the world that is certified to instruct helicopter pilots.

   This was the single most important therapeutic process in my recovery. This has led me on to start anew career, working for the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller.I still continue to fly helicopters and airplanes.

   I owe it all to the Moonlight Fund.I want to say Thank You to the Moonlight Fund for believing in me and helping me to pursue my dreams. This is one of the greatest organizations there is. It helps the great men and women that fight for this country carry on with their dreams after tragedy. It helps wounded soldiers conquer depression. The fund assists with the depression and general feeling of loss following our life changing accidents.