Re-enlistment marks milestone for accident victim

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  It was a red-letter day for Tech. Sgt. Hector Barrios when he re-enlisted in the Air Force recently.

While a re-enlistment itself is not an unusual event, getting there was for the 96th Security Forces Squadron dog handler.

On July 15, 2003, Sergeant Barrios was deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. While on gate-guard duty, he moved some wire strung to a concrete barrier to permit a vehicle to drive through the makeshift gate. As the truck cleared the barrier, it caught the wire, causing the two-ton barrier to fall on Barrios’ left leg and foot.

Sergeant Barrios faced an 18-month struggle of amputation, reconstruction and infections before he gained his medical clearance to remain in the Air Force and in a job he loved. He currently has two prostheses -- one for walking and one for running.

Initially, all the bones in his foot were broken. Doctors here said that drastic measures were needed, including hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments and amputation of most of the damaged foot.

“The doctors told me they would have to amputate my leg from the knee down,” Sergeant Barrios said. “When I woke up, I only lost half of my foot, which (makes it) better for me to get around.”

Sergeant Barrios said it was rough emotionally after the amputation, but his family, the base hospital staff, physical therapists, his unit Airmen and fellow dog handlers took care of him. It was especially difficult not knowing whether he would be able to continue his career after investing 14 years in service to his country.

“You have to be positive -- otherwise it doesn’t do any good; I was always trying to stay positive,” he said.

One of the people Sergeant Barrios said was a major player in his recovery was his roommate and fellow dog handler, Tech. Sgt. Jason Somers.

“He was there for me when I was injured and took me to my medical appointments and to physical therapy; he kept me going when I had my bad days,” Sergeant Barrios said.

Sergeant Somers said Sergeant Barrios was first his boss, but then they became friends. He said he helped Sergeant Barrios with “all the normal things we take for granted."

“It was tough for him. I … felt so bad about what happened to him, especially when he lost his foot,” Sergeant Somers said. “It was a tough deal for everyone, but the ultimate goal a year ago was for (Sergeant Barrios) to keep his career. To reach this day when he’s re-enlisting is outstanding; he’s an asset.”

Sergeant Barrios said he has reached his main goal of staying in the Air Force for six more years. He said his experience shows what can be accomplished “if you put your mind to something.” And now, with the help of a special prosthesis, he can run a 10-minute mile.