
Support First Responder Pilot’s Recovery
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Hello, I'm Mike, a retired military war veteran with 20 years of dedicated service to our country. My journey includes multiple overseas tours in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, where I served as a Blackhawk pilot, accumulating over 1000 combat fligh hours and earning multiple decorations for my service. Since retiring, I've continued to make a difference as a firefighting pilot flying the Firehawk and, more recently, as a first responder EMS pilot with Med-Trans. My commitment to service and my experiences have shaped me into who I am today, and I'm proud to continue making a positive impact in my new career.
On May 17, 2022, while working for Med-Trans as a flight crew member, I embarked on a life-changing mission to transport a patient from Klamath Falls, Oregon to Bend, Oregon. Little did I know, this fateful day would forever alter the course of my life.
During the flight, we received an urgent request from dispatch to pick up a patient in Christmas Valley, Oregon. Following a meticulous preflight inspection and monitoring of the weather, we set off on our mission. The journey was uneventful until we approached our destination.
As we initiated the final approach and prepared to land, I was vigilant, closely monitoring wind conditions. The helicopter was performing within its normal limits, and I felt confident in our approach. With precision, I aligned the helicopter with the landing pad and began our descent, adhering to Med-Trans protocols.
However, what happened next took us all by surprise. Upon touchdown, an unexpected burst of wind, later estimated at a staggering 50 mph, forced the helicopter forward rapidly. In a split second, I reacted, applying my training in an attempt to regain control and ascend to safety.
Despite my best efforts, the situation escalated, and the helicopter began to spin uncontrollably. It was a harrowing moment, one that I fought hard to overcome, determined to protect my crew and the helicopter itself.
Miraculously, we all survived, but the physical toll was severe. I suffered multiple injuries, including compression fractures, acute radiculopathy, fractures to my arm, femur, fibula and in various other parts of my body. The road to recovery has been long and arduous.
I must express my gratitude to Med-Trans for their unwavering support during this challenging period. They stood by me, both emotionally and financially, raising $6000 to alleviate some of the burdens, as well as covering the portion of salary which Workers' comp doesn’t cover.
However, life took another unexpected turn. On August 4th, 2023, a year and three months later, I received a shocking call from Med-Trans. I was medically terminated, leaving me and my family in a precarious situation, no longer in receipt of a monthly stipend.
To add to the complexity, our workers' compensation coverage was reduced by $750, leaving us with unexpected financial gaps. I find myself in a position I never anticipated – seeking help.
I'm a husband and a father to six wonderful children, and the prospect of homelessness is a stark reality. Our house payments are hanging in the balance, even though we've managed to defer them temporarily. My upcoming complicated back surgery and extended recovery period only compound our financial challenges.
I've always been hesitant to ask for help, especially of this nature, but I have no choice. My family's well-being is my utmost priority, and I'm swallowing my pride to ask for both assistance and financial support.
Your generosity can make a significant difference in our lives, ensuring we have a roof over our heads, food on our table, and the means to navigate this difficult journey ahead. Your kindness can help us bridge the gap and provide the stability my family desperately needs during this trying time.
Please consider contributing to our cause, and together, we can navigate the path to recovery and a brighter future. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can provide.
Watch Accident Video by Witness Jamal Jackson: https://fb.watch/mVqHIV6af7/
Organizer

Dani McGarry
Organizer
Bend, OR