CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
After more than nine months in the hospital, one of Charleston AFB's own loadmasters will be welcomed home with a gift from the heart and hands of Team Charleston members upon his discharge from the hospital.
In April 2008, Master Sgt. Don Eagle, assigned to the 17th Airlift Squadron, was struck by another motorist while riding his motorcycle home from work. Sergeant Eagle has been hospitalized since then because of an accident that was not his fault. He is still in recovery and is currently paraplegic with limited use of one hand.
To help Sergeant Eagle cope with his permanent disability, Team Charleston members volunteered to remodel his house for handicap accessibility during the holiday season; the project is named Operation Eagle's Nest. Every year, the 300th Airlift Squadron for Charleston AFB 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, assigned to the 300 AS and project coordinator.
Volunteers spent approximately 30-40 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 been telling him of the work that has been done and also conveying his message of thanks.
"He's responding well and adapting to his condition, but he's really looking forward to coming home soon and he's very thankful for everything everyone has done," said Master Sgt. Thomas McGowan, 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. A total of nearly $12,000was raised to date for the project.
"I hope we demonstrated the core values of the Air Force -- especially service before self," said Sergeant Potter. "We walked the walk, talked the talk, and now Team Charleston has given him something he can be very proud of."
The project began in November and will be completed by February. Project coordinators have scheduled a walk-through of the house for Feb. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. so Team Charleston can see the finished project that will be presented to Sergeant Eagle.
For more information or to make a donation to the Master Sgt. Don Eagle Fund, visit http://msgtdoneaglefund.com/index.html or contact Sergeant Potter at 345-5591 or by e-mail at tpotter@reserveelectricalservices.com.