KEYSTONE, Colo. –
For the average person, losing a limb while serving one's country might seem like the sacrifice of sacrifices. For Airman 1st Class Kevin Krogh, it's just another one of life's challenges.
Airman Krogh, an F-22 weapons loader assigned to the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Langley, is one of several injured servicemembers taking advantage of free ski lessons offered through Adaptive Adventures, Inc. The company, founded in 1999, is dedicated to helping physically disabled people realize a better quality of life exists, according to their Web site www.adaptiveadventures.org.
An avid snowboarder prior to a March 2007 auto accident, Kevin took to the slopes of Breckenridge, Colo., nine months after surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy. And like many who try something for the first time, Airman Krogh admitted he was a little scared.
"It was something new," he said with a grin. "Going without falling was even better. It was something new and you have to get used to it."
That grin comes from the spirited 22-year old, who only after two years in the Air Force, was the victim of a car crash near his Virginia base. Then, Airman Krogh was traveling with his friend Senior Airman David Michaud, a fellow weapons loader. Airman Krogh was told later, after awaking from a 16-day coma, the details of the accident.
"I was told my driver had lost control," he recalled. "Driving his Mitsubishi Lancer, he crossed over the median, hitting a pick up truck head on. I was transported to a civilian hospital at first. I learned David had died in the helicopter."
After being admitted to the civilian hospital for two broken femurs, a broken right arm and broken nose, as well as a shattered wrist, authorities moved him to a Naval hospital in Portsmouth, Va. After waking from his coma, he was transported to his home state of Minnesota, where he was admitted to a Veteran's Affairs hospital.
"My first memory when I awoke was being fed through a syringe and sucking through a tube," he said. "After learning my friend died, it really got me down. But my family made the situation bearable."
His mother, Sonya, who lives in Medford, Minn., also recalled the first thoughts that ran through her head after being notified of the accident.
"I was really worried; all I could do was think," Mrs. Krogh said. "We didn't know the extent of his injuries until we got the phone call."
Mrs. Krogh said the accident had only strengthened the relationship between Kevin and his family.
"We care so much about him," she said. "We think about him because he is so far away. I always want to know what he's doing with his friends at work. I am so proud of him. He's looking forward to his future. He never looks back."
With the injuries of the accident fresh in his mind, Kevin refused to give in to his disability.
"I was moved (to Minnesota) from May 8 to September," Airman Krogh said. "I took English classes and physical therapy. It was difficult, but I couldn't give up."
In September 2007, his courage would be needed again. He was notified by the VA he was being transferred to a hospital in Texas that specializes in getting injured servicemembers back on their feet. Today, he goes through regular physical therapy.
"It's going good," he said about this therapy. "I can walk around with a cane and sometimes without. I'm still not good at getting up because of my wrist."
Part of that therapy also comes from the close bond Airman Krogh says is formed between each disabled veteran.
"They're all here for each other," he said. "There are a lot of people who have the same injuries as me, so we can support each other. We keep our hopes up. We tell each other never to give up. It's really the buddy system ... definitely a close support group. It's tough to talk to someone this just happened to. It's all new to them. So we tell them to keep their head high. There's a lot of support out there, but it's most important to not give up on yourself."
But where the active Airman may lack in some lingering physical disabilities, he more than makes up with determination. After facing two mountains in only two months in this state, Airman Krogh prepares to tackle scuba diving between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1.
"I never expected to do these things again," he said. "After snowboarding in the past, I never thought I would be back on the hill again."
After rebounding from a near-fatal accident, if he could go back to that day his life changed forever, Airman Krogh says he wouldn't want his legs back.
"I do act differently since the accident," he pointed out. "If I could go back to having my legs, I probably wouldn't go back because I've got to meet the San Antonio Spurs, I've shaken the president's hand and I'm going scuba diving. These are experiences I'll never forget."