Charleston members aid injured Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa White
  • 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) --  A Charleston Air Force Base senior NCO will be welcomed home soon after spending more than nine months in the hospital after a serious motorcycle accident with a gift from the hearts and hands of base members.

Master Sgt. Don Eagle of the 17th Airlift Squadron was struck by another motorist while riding his motorcycle home from work in April 2008. 

Sergeant Eagle has been hospitalized since then because of the accident that was not his fault. He is still in recovery and is currently paraplegic with only limited use of one hand.

To help Sergeant Eagle cope with his permanent disability, Charleston AFB members volunteered to remodel his house for handicap accessibility during the holiday season. The project was named Operation Eagle's Nest. Every year, the 300th Airlift Squadron staff here volunteers to take on projects to help local families in need, but this is the first time the whole base has pitched in to help.

"This is the first year everyone has come together to help with our volunteer project because this one hits closer to home because he was an active-duty member at Charleston AFB," said Master Sgt. Tim Potter, a 300th AS member and the project coordinator.

Volunteers spent approximately 40 days installing new doors, new windows, replacing walls and painting along with other things to have the house meet Veterans Affairs handicap requirements.

Though Sergeant Eagle officially retired Jan. 2 after nearly 22 years in the Air Force, friends have kept him informed of the work done to his home awaiting him once he is discharged from the hospital.

"He's responding well and adapting to his condition, but he's really looking forward to coming home soon. He's very thankful for everything everyone has done," said Master Sgt. Thomas McGowan, the 437th Medical Group first sergeant. "We were hoping he would be home by the end of February, but we don't really know for sure. They're basing his release off of how well he is recovering, but we're ready for him to come home when he's ready."

Members who volunteered for Operation Eagle's Nest included reservists, active-duty Airmen and members from organizations such as the Charleston AFB First 6 and Top 3. Everyone came together for the same cause, but some did it in different ways. Whether they actually helped with the remodeling, donated money to the Master Sgt. Don Eagle Fund, or held a fundraiser to benefit the cause, every bit has helped. A total of nearly $12,000 was raised to date for the project.

The project began in November and will be completed by February. Project coordinators have scheduled a walk-through of the house for Feb. 6 so base members can see the finished project that will be presented to Sergeant Eagle. 

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