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22 August 5, 2016 Desert Lightning News
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From RETURN, Page 13 the while, continuing to get back in the cockpit, is a true testament
to her resiliency.”
11, 2015, Wise was paddle boarding in a cove behind a friend’s
house when a boat swerved into her path. The road back to the pilot seat was filled with bumps and hur-
dles, but Wise proclaims she knew it would pay off in the end.
While the events that followed appeared to move in slow mo-
tion, within three minutes Wise was rescued by nearby boaters and “I knew this day was going to come, I just didn’t know when or
rushed to a nearby hospital. That same night, Wise was given the how soon,” said Wise. “One of the biggest hurdles to getting back
prognosis that she was an above-the-knee amputee. here was passing my physical fitness test. That was the hardest
thing I’ve done yet because running as an above-the-knee amputee
Wise began mentally preparing herself for the demands of the is so difficult.”
road ahead, but credits other amputees and fellow Airmen for their
continuous support. In February, Wise’s drive and determination was tested but she
passed what she says was one of the biggest hurdles, scoring an ex-
“I’ve had amazing support from the base, Air Force and then also cellent on her fitness test.
other amputees,” said Wise. “They were always supporting me and
talking to me all along and that made everything so much easier.” “I am incredibly proud of Christy and am honored to call her a
member of the rescue group,” said Dorl. “Captain Wise’s drive and
“Everything is different now,” Wise added. “Even just walking determination is an inspiration and an encouragement to others to
around the squadron, practice egressing, running, and returning to never give up, no matter what life throws your way.”
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 Wise wants people to know that when faced with adversity, sur-
of the process.” rounding yourself with supportive people is the key to overcoming
any situation.
The Air Force’s physical requirements coupled with Wise’s
new limited mobility didn’t change her commitment and deter- “One amputee in my rehab center said something to me I’ll never
mination. Rescue leadership says it’s this resilient attitude that forget,” said Wise. “He said, ‘don’t for one second long for who you
made it possible. were, but recklessly pursue who you can become.’ That doesn’t have
to be a leg, it could be a better job, an old boss or anything you had
“Wise’s positive attitude and drive never ceases to amaze me,” in the past longing for it doesn’t help. We can learn from the past
said Col. Thomas Dorl, 347th Rescue Group commander. “It is no but we can’t get it back.”
surprise that she is back in the cockpit. Her ability to overcome
anything in the face of adversity, stay positive and motivated, all
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