Amputee regains wings

Published July 25, 2016
By Senior Airman Ceaira Young
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- An HC-130J Combat King II pilot here became the sixth amputee and the first female amputee to return to the cockpit.

After an above-the-knee amputation and nearly 15 months of rehabilitation -- learning to walk, run and fly again -- Air Force Capt. Christy Wise, a 71st Rescue Squadron HC-130J pilot, was medically cleared to retake to the skies on July 22.

“In this day in age it’s nice to be able to show girls out there everywhere that you’re capable of anything if you put your mind to it,” Wise said. “I am the first female, which is funny because I don’t ever think of myself as a female pilot, but as a pilot. I’m not the first in any way, but I’m the sixth.

“For me, I never even considered not getting back to flying,” Wise added. “I was going to do whatever it took to get back to flying because this is my job and this is what I love.”

Last year, what started out as a weekend of fun with friends turned into a moment in time that would take Wise out of the cockpit. On April 11, 2015, Wise was paddle boarding in a cove behind a friend’s house when a boat swerved into her path.

While the events that followed appeared to move in slow motion, within three minutes Wise was rescued by nearby boaters and rushed to a hospital. That same night, Wise was given the prognosis that she was about to become an above-the-knee amputee.

Wise mentally prepared herself for the demands of the road ahead, but also lauded other amputees and fellow Airmen for their continuous support.

“I’ve had amazing support from the base, Air Force and then also other amputees,” Wise said. “They were always supporting me and talking to me all along, and that made everything so much easier.

“Everything is different now,” Wise added. “Even just walking around the squadron, practice egressing, running and returning to full duty days as an amputee, everything is more exhausting. But I learned to walk, then run, (and now) fly, and all of that was a part of the process.”

The Air Force’s physical requirements coupled with Wise’s new limited mobility didn’t change her commitment and determination. Rescue leadership says it’s this resilient attitude that made it possible.

“Wise’s positive attitude and drive never ceases to amaze me," said Col. Thomas Dorl, the 347th Rescue Group commander. "It is no surprise that she is back in the cockpit. Her ability to overcome anything in the face of adversity, stay positive and motivated, all the while continuing to get back in the cockpit, is a true testament to her resiliency."

The road back to the pilot seat was filled with bumps and hurdles, but Wise proclaimed she knew it would pay off in the end.

“I knew this day was going to come, I just didn’t know when or how soon,” Wise said. “One of the biggest hurdles to getting back here was passing my physical fitness test. That was the hardest thing I’ve done yet because running as an above-the-knee amputee is so difficult.”

In February, Wise scored an excellent on her fitness test.

“I am incredibly proud of Christy and am honored to call her a member of the rescue group," Dorl said. "Captain Wise's drive and determination is an inspiration and an encouragement to others to never give up, no matter what life throws your way.”

Wise wants people to know that when faced with adversity, being surrounded by supportive people is the key to overcoming any situation.

“One amputee in my rehab center said something to me I’ll never forget,” Wise said. “He said, ‘Don’t for one second long for who you were, but recklessly pursue who you can become.’ … We can learn from the past but we can’t get it back.”