| Submit your comments on this article |
| Home Front: Culture Wars |
| Finally some good news. Sick Teen's Military Dreams Come True. |
| 2007-03-05 |
| Weakened by a lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis, 14-year-old Riley Woina dreamed of being strong like the heroes he'd seen in war movies like "Black Hawk Down." He wanted to parachute, fire rounds, wear a uniform. He wasn't scared of some of the most grueling training the Army has to offer. So when he was offered the opportunity through the Make-A-Wish foundation to realize his dream, he jumped at the chance. Recently, the Plymouth, Conn., teen got to spend a week watching the U.S. Army's 6th Ranger Training Battalion train in Florida - and even try many of the tasks himself. "You always want what you cannot have and he'll never be able to join the Army because of his cystic fibrosis, so of course he wants that more than anyone else would. He would join the Army today if he could," said his mother, Susan Woina. Riley is the first child to ask Make-A-Wish to visit a Ranger camp, said Capt. Jeremiah Cordovano, spokesman for the 6th Ranger Battalion. It was an unusual choice - the foundation often grants wishes for Walt Disney World trips or shopping sprees. Hat tip and a crisp Airborne salute to CPT Cordonvano and the 6th RGR Bn, RLTW! ("Rangers Lead The Way" ) |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #1 This one brought tears to my eyes. Congrats to a very brave kid who wanted something other than what other kids his age might have. And more than kudo's to the guys who helped him realize his dream - but then, those guys know who they're helping out and why and don't need the kudo's. They got the kudo's by helping out this kid (and giving him a memory that he'll remember all the days of his life) and they'll remember that the rest of their lives no matter what happens. |
| Posted by: FOTSGreg 2007-03-05 18:57 |