Month: February 2011

Cadet Amputee Still Dreams of Flying

ROTC Cadet Matt Pirrello lost his leg in a jump accident at the US Air Force Academy last year. He has been making a fairly rapid recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center, and still has hopes of flying, though he remains open to both possibilities and restrictions:

Pirrello had hoped to become a fighter pilot; now, he just wants to be a pilot. He’s even open to flying a remotely piloted aircraft.

The Air Force recently announced that a pilot training student who lost part of his leg in a boating accident had been reinstated into training — the first amputee ever to continue pilot training.  Pirrello’s injuries were more severe, and he has yet to be commissioned, but with his determination to serve, he may yet see his dreams fulfilled.

MRFF Sues USAFA over McClary Invitation

Michael Weinstein’s Military Religious Freedom Foundation has reportedly sued the US Air Force Academy over its decision to invite a Christian to a Prayer Luncheon.  In an increasingly common scene, even the Air Force Times was able to accurately summarize the self-contradictory nature of the “religious freedom” group’s actions:

Five Air Force Academy instructors and an advocacy group are suing to stop the school from holding a religious event. (emphasis added)

One Academy faculty member, David Mullin of the Economics Department, is listed by name; four others are listed as “John Doe.”  Counsel appears to be David Lane, of Killmer, Lane & Newman in Denver.  Lane appears to have previously represented Ward Churchill, the “Balloon Boy” parents, and a student suing her school over a canceled William Ayers speech.

Contrary to his prior demands, the complaint indicates Weinstein no longer simply wants US Marine Corps (Ret) Lt Clebe McClary disinvited.  He wants the entire event canceled.

It is contended in this law suit [sic] that for the command structure of the AFA to undertake a purely religious activity such as this is a violation Read more

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