Merle Trout

I was defueling a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at work which I have done 100 times or more when a bit of fuel spilled out. My reaction was to jerk my head away; and a modified aircraft antenna on the belly of the aircraft pierced my eardrum. The doctor told me it was a one-in-a-million accident, the way the antenna when in my right ear. and how it has completely changed my life in ways I never expected. Cause now I have hearing loss in my right ear and also causes me to have vertigo. Since the accident, I've been on work disability, but the payments just aren't enough to keep up with our bills and car payment. To make things even harder, my wife will also be out of work because of a torn rotator cuff, and she will need surgery to fix the damage to her shoulder. Because of my injury, I'm now considered a liability, and it's making it very hard to find a job in the aviation field. It's not just about being a mechanic—it's also about being able to hear the aircraft systems properly, which I can't do right now. With both of us unable to work, the gap grows wider each month, and the stress of not being able to pay everything on time has started to take a toll on my mental health. The worry and uncertainty have made it hard to stay positive, and depression is starting to set in as I try to figure out how to keep my family afloat. I just want to say thank you to everyone who is willing to help out in our time of need. Your kindness and support mean more than words can express, and any help you can give will make a real difference as I work toward recovery and getting back on my feet.