Wounded warriors look for second chances

  • Published
  • By April Rowden
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  In less than five seconds, the security forces Airman went from being able to shout out commands that could save lives to not being able to speak above a whisper.

When an explosive force projectile struck Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley's Humvee April 15, 2007, shrapnel smaller than the size of a BB pellet lodged in his brain and damaged the portion responsible for motor skills and voice projection.

He lapsed into a coma. He lost all memory from two days before the attack until later that August. He had at least four aneurisms -- two severe. The doctors repeatedly took off a portion of his skull so his brain could swell and heal. His parents were told to expect the worst.

Barely 18 months later, because of modern medical science and the medical teams attending the 29 year old, this wounded warrior is shouting out commands again. On Nov. 5, Sergeant Lilley graduated from the Basic Instructor Course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He will soon be assigned to the 343rd Training Squadron at Lackland AFB to teach at the security forces instructor school.

Sergeant Lilley is one of many wounded warriors finding themselves a new niche in the Air Force following a war-related injury.

"It's frustrating when you can't do your old job," Sergeant Lilley said. "But when it comes time to tell (your chain of command and the medical evaluation board) what you want, don't sugar coat it. If you want to stay in the Air Force, just tell them."

And keeping these highly-trained, well-qualified Airmen part of the active-duty family is a priority for the Air Force.

"We make every effort to retain our wounded Airmen, sometimes with a limited duty assignment in their current career field, and sometimes it may involve retraining," said Art Myers, the Air Force Services director. "The bottom line is our wounded Airmen warriors have valuable experience to share with their fellow Airmen and it's important that experience be leveraged for the benefit of the Air Force."

Senior Airman Duane Dunlap is hoping to be part of that leverage.

Airman Dunlap was on patrol in Iraq on June 15, 2007, when an improvised explosive device detonated, followed by small arms fire. He suffered third-degree burns to his left hand and 13 gunshot wounds to his face and lower extremities.

Today, he's still being treated for his injuries, including complete nerve damage to his left leg. He uses a cane to get from place to place. But he knows what he wants.

"I want to stay in the Air Force and finish my career," said the 23-year-old security forces member. And he's willing to exchange the Defensor Fortis flash for the scrubs of a physical therapist, if that's what it takes.

Although neither one recalled their initial medical treatment, both Sergeant Lilley and Airman Dunlap said the medical care they've received has exceeded their expectations.

"(My medical care) has been the best I could ask for or be given," Sergeant Lilly said. "It's been excellent. The right people and the right equipment was where it needed to be at the right time."

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates declared November as Warrior Care Month. During the month, the Department of Defense-wide campaign continues to focus on the programs and initiatives provided through the Warrior Care programs, as well as highlight the personal sacrifices make in the defense of our nation.

For more information on the Air Force Survivor Assistance program, visit http://survivorassistance.afsv.af.mil. For information on the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, go to www.woundedwarrior.af.mil, call 800-581-9437, or send an e-mail to afwounded.warrior@randolph.af.mil. 

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