FIREMISSION: please help the family of a former USAF Thunderbird - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - FIREMISSION: please help the family of a former USAF Thunderbird

Posted: 7/5/2015 10:10:26 PM EDT

ETA: permission received from Striker to post...............................thank you Striker and thank you ARFcom!!

We need your help.

"This kind of treatment (that he needs) is available at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), which agreed to take Norm earlier this year. Unfortunately, the VA has thus far not approved Norm’s transfer to the RIC program. His mother is working with the VA to gain approval, and is optimistic it will eventually be granted. Assuming that happens, the fight will shift to one of securing the resources to pay for Norm’s care. Tricare will only cover 8-10 days of treatment, and he’ll need many more than that to fully leverage what the RIC treatment specialists can do for him."

UPDATE: as an explanation of the dilemna, the VA and TriCare, I asked Shawn's brother for a brief explanation of what is happening and how the family has been caught up in becoming Shawn's primary care givers and financiers. This is what he had to say:

"It is both a VA and a Tricare issue. From the VA side they will only take care of Shawn in VA approved facilities or subcontractors. Of course RIC (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), who has agreed to take Shawn is not one of those. Second, the VA gave Shawn 90 days after he emerged back into being conscience to be able to walk, dress himself, feed himself etc. Well that isn't going to happen so they kicked him out. As for Tricare, they only cover a limited number of things in these cases. It's just bad insurance if you are in this type of situation. For example they will only pay for 10 days of care at RIC. Well we all know it will take much more. All in all these kind of serious illnesses are just financially debilitating to the family."

Posting the link for the GiveForward page in an easier to find location here: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/kwz8/norm-pederson-fund-for-life

Please visit the GiveForward page (*link above and further below) to see how you can help make an enormous difference supporting Shawn.
"Thunderbirds Check…. Two, Three, Four, Five, Six”

"Lets Runner Up…”

"Afterburner On - Ready…. Now”

"Smoke On - Ready…. Now”

"Smoke Off - Ready… Now”

"Release Brake - Ready…. Now”

"Nose-Wheel - Ready…. Now”

"Gear Ready…. Now”

I wouldn't normally ask this.................but I have known the love, generosity and compassion of the ARFcom family for well over a decade. I have seen what this community can do many times. I have had the privilege to participate (by playing a small insignificant role) in many fire missions where the collective good of ARFcom really made a difference for someone in need. The spirit of the extended ARFcom family is truly synergistic; it's collective power is far greater than the sum of its parts. I know the power that ARFcom can bring to bear when rallied. Which brings me to why I am posting this tonight.

I have known Col (retired) Shawn Pederson since our days at The Zoo. (USAFA Class of 1990).

Shawn spent 24 years of his life on active duty, serving not only the country he loves, but much of the latter part of the 24 was spent in leadership roles where he was able to make a huge difference in the lives of many of his subordinates.

(Shawn on his 'fini-flight.)

Some of you may recognize Shawn. He was a member of the USAF Thunderbirds from 2000-2002, flying the lead and opposing solo positions.

Unfortunately, Shawn's career, and nearly his life, were cut short. He suffered a traumatic cerebral aneurysm in the fall of 2014. Since then, Shawn has fought back from countless setbacks. Shawn was fighter pilot. In this new chapter of his life, Shawn continues to be a fighter, but in a much different way.
Throughout this ordeal, his parents and his brother have given their all to support and care for him. In the process, they have incurred large amounts of debt in caring for him. No, the VA doesn't cover it all. He has been moved from facility to facility, from VA to IL. They have had to travel, buy a wheel chair accessible van, among other day to day expenses.

A link to an article written by another classmate will better explain Shawn's challenges and the current dilemma that the family faces in supporting and caring for Shawn, as well as the impact he had on many during his career as an Air Force Officer.
http://www.jqpublicblog.com/true-wingmanship-the-tough-and-inspiring-plight-of-colonel-shawn-pederson/#disqus_thread

Shawn's family could use some support as they support him. The road is long, with no end in sight. They accept the duty of caring for Shawn, but that duty could be made just a little easier with our help. We have the power to help ease their burden just a little.

Please visit the GiveForward page (*link below) to see how you can help make an enormous difference supporting Shawn.

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/kwz8/norm-pederson-fund-for-life

Thank you for any consideration that you can give to this matter. And an extra thank you for any assistance that you can provide. I am sure that the family will be grateful as well. I will be sending them the link so they can monitor.
ETA: for a little motivation (although this isn't Shawn, it is still an awesome video)

https://youtu.be/dJbZrHIS7J4

Posted: 7/6/2015 7:05:58 AM EDT

[#1]

Thank you for your service thompsondd and Col Pederson.

Posted: 7/6/2015 7:15:28 AM EDT

[#2]

Very sad.

I will be donating to the link. Thanks for posting this OP.

Posted: 7/6/2015 7:56:38 AM EDT

[#3]

Thanks for posting OP!

I flew with Shawn at Lakenheath and have nothing but great memories of and extreme respect for him. A warrior in spirit and action, Shawn is the type of leader that is enjoyable to follow.

I don't post here much, but read this forum almost daily. I know there are many huge hearts that post and lurk here. Please consider this worthy cause.

Posted: 7/6/2015 7:58:36 AM EDT

[#4]

BTTT...!

Posted: 7/6/2015 8:12:02 AM EDT

[#5]

Hit

Posted: 7/6/2015 8:12:10 AM EDT

[#6]

I don't know Col Pederson, but I served under him in the 4th Fighter Wing.

I wish him the best and hope for his full recovery.

Posted: 7/6/2015 10:04:18 AM EDT

[#7]

Thanks to everyone who has read and responded to this post.

I have been in contact briefly with the family. They are aware of this post and thankful for any prayers and support that you can lend.
For those who know Shawn and/or served with him, if you know of other organizations or channels to get his story told, please consider doing so.
I have received some questions about whether this is a VA issue or a TriCare issue? I wish I knew exactly where the problems lies, but unfortunately, I don't.
This is from the linked article. I hope it explains some of the difficulties that the family is experiencing:

Just after he retired from active duty in the fall of 2014, Norm suffered a traumatic cerebral aneurysm. He barely survived. Since then, he’s been in a fight to recover. After being airlifted to a hospital, he spent eight weeks in an ICU, beating back pneumonia and other infections. After stabilizing, he was moved to Walter Reed, where he spent another eight weeks recovering before he was moved to a VA facility in Richmond. After a period of time there, VA officials consigned him to convalescent care, forcing his family to move him again.

Norm Pederson's situation is a stark reminder of just how quickly any of us can go from larger than life to fighting for life. He's got a tough road ahead, but he'll do it with the help of many wingmen.

Norm’s parents moved him to a place in Prophetstown, Illinois called Winning Wheels, a non-profit foundation that gives younger victims of traumatic brain injury a place to live as they recover and hopefully transition to improved functionality. Winning Wheels has agreed to keep Norm as long as he needs to stay there, and the unbelievably gracious help the foundation has provided is the reason he has been able to keep fighting so hard to this point. But Norm’s parents and his support network are pushing hard to get him treatment that stands the best chance of maximizing his recovery.

This kind of treatment is available at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), which agreed to take Norm earlier this year. Unfortunately, the VA has thus far not approved Norm’s transfer to the RIC program. His mother is working with the VA to gain approval, and is optimistic it will eventually be granted. Assuming that happens, the fight will shift to one of securing the resources to pay for Norm’s care. Tricare will only cover 8-10 days of treatment, and he’ll need many more than that to fully leverage what the RIC treatment specialists can do for him.

I know that he has been moved from one facility to another (I think they are up to 4 now, in almost as many states).
ETA: I asked Shawn's brother about the VA/Tricare issue. This was his explanation. I hope this helps explain the situation a little better and explains why they could use our help.

It is both a VA and a Tricare issue. From the VA side they will only take care of Shawn in VA approved facilities or subcontractors. Of course RIC is not one of those. Second, the VA gave Shawn 90 days after he emerged back into being conscience to be able to walk, dress himself, feed himself etc. Well that isn't going to happen so they kicked him out. As for Tricare, they only cover a limited number of things in these cases. It's just bad insurance if you are in this type of situation. For example they will only pay for 10 days of care at RIC. Well we all know it will take much more. All in all these kind of serious illnesses are just financially debilitating to the family.

Posted: 7/6/2015 10:17:15 AM EDT

[#8]

Posted: 7/6/2015 12:43:32 PM EDT

[#9]

Done. Glad I could help. Norm will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted: 7/6/2015 2:30:43 PM EDT

[#10]

Heartbreaking

The Colonel is in my thoughts, and I pray he is able to be whole again soon.

Posted: 7/6/2015 4:13:22 PM EDT

[#11]

I think this thread would get more attention not being a sticky, but being bumped up. Just IMO

Posted: 7/6/2015 8:16:57 PM EDT

[#12]

Donated. Thanks for sharing and prayers for your friend. Full recovery.

Posted: 7/7/2015 10:58:29 AM EDT

[#13]

Thanks again to everyone who has read about Shawn, who has sent prayers and well wishes for his recovery, and who have contributed to assist the family as they continue to care for Shawn.

I had really hoped that the power of ARFcom could come through for a family who has not only given so much to our country, but who has also been through so much already and who still has a long road ahead of them.

I know the power of ARFcom to rally and show support. That is why I came here with Shawn's story and his family's need.

Posted: 7/7/2015 1:16:58 PM EDT

[#14]

Donation made.

Posted: 7/7/2015 1:20:17 PM EDT

[#15]

Tag and bump.

I will be able to donate more next payday.

Posted: 7/7/2015 1:21:45 PM EDT

[#16]

Hit. Keep the thread going.

Posted: 7/7/2015 1:33:24 PM EDT

[#17]

Hit

I wish I could donate more. Thank you Col. Pederson for your service, the photos are amazing. Keep you head up sir and good luck on your recovery.

The donation could not have been easier. Thanks thompsondd for bringing it to our attention.

Posted: 7/7/2015 2:08:38 PM EDT

[#18]

I can hit this on Payday. In the meantime I have posted the link to ARFCOM on Bill Whittle's Facebook page. He has a special place in his heart for Fighter Jocks. Perhaps he will pick it up and run with it.

Posted: 7/8/2015 8:16:23 AM EDT

[#19]

Donated and posted to my FB page. I'm now going to send it out to all my contacts via email.

Posted: 7/9/2015 12:31:55 AM EDT

[#20]

Donation made wished it could be more. Him and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted: 7/9/2015 12:52:18 PM EDT

[#21]

Done.

Posted: 7/10/2015 3:46:39 PM EDT

[#22]

Done.

Despite being unfortunately politically placed, IL HTF happens to be one of the strongest and best around IMHO.

PM me if there is anything some locals can do to help out the family, even if its just a care package of pizza delivery from Lou's to take care of a meal for them.

Posted: 7/11/2015 11:23:57 AM EDT

[#23]

Thank you again to everyone!

Marksman14 - please let me know if there is anything that I can do to assist. Any help that the IL HTF can provide the family is much appreciated!!!!

Posted: 7/11/2015 1:04:18 PM EDT

[#24]

Hit and shared on FB.

Posted: 7/11/2015 6:47:37 PM EDT

[#25]

Gave what I could.

Posted: 7/13/2015 5:05:06 PM EDT

[#26]

Fellow Red Tag Bastard checking in.

I posted this on eDodo, hoping to get the word out.

Payday is Friday, so I'll be back.

Posted: 7/13/2015 10:26:53 PM EDT

[#27]

Donation made. It wasn't much, but I hope it helps. If everyone gives just a little, it will add up quickly.

Col. Pederson and his family are in my prayers.

Posted: 7/13/2015 10:30:25 PM EDT

[#28]

Donation made. It wasn't much, but I hope it helps. If everyone gives just a little, it will add up quickly.

Col. Pederson and his family are in my prayers.

Posted: 7/15/2015 1:03:23 AM EDT

[#29]

Man, that's horrible.

One of my greatest fears in life is that I'll go from 100 to 0 overnight.

Posted: 7/18/2015 1:05:18 AM EDT

[#30]

Donated. Hope this gets more attention.

Posted: 7/18/2015 3:25:35 PM EDT

[#31]

Thanks everyone!

Posted: 7/21/2015 8:22:44 PM EDT

[#32]

I passed this on to a retired F-111/F-16/FedEx pilot friend.
He's going to forward it to a bunch of pilots.

Posted: 7/22/2015 5:06:37 PM EDT

[#33]

Just saw this on another group where updates on Shawn are posted:

from 1hr ago.

I am asking for intense prayers from our friends. Shawn has taken a severe turn for the worse. Not communicating at all. Took him to ER Sunday as he was in such pain! They found a kidney stone! We pray it passes soon but he is in so much pain. Thank you for your support.

I, as well as the family, greatly appreciate all the assistance. Thank you very much ARFcom!

Posted: 7/26/2015 7:32:01 AM EDT

[#34]

Donated. We have a ways to go people.

Posted: 7/26/2015 10:30:29 PM EDT

[#35]

I will surely contribute.

Posted: 8/5/2015 7:16:53 PM EDT

[#36]

tacked threads don't get enough traffic

Posted: 8/6/2015 9:00:15 AM EDT

[#37]

Donation made.

I currently have a "go fund me" campaign going for one of my employees, it's hard to get donations. I know that
God will give back to those that give.

Posted: 8/19/2015 8:24:46 AM EDT

[#38]

It's been awhile. Sorry, I haven't had much time to keep the thread updated.

First, thank you to everyone who has helped support this cause. The family is very appreciative.

Second, I will try and update this as often as possible to keep it top of mind. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time for much other than 'work' and 'life' lately.

Here is the latest from the family. I wish it was better news to report. However, things for Norm aren't going that well.

Folks its been way too long since I posted on Norm / Shawn's site. And as a result I feel we are losing the momentum of his loving air force family and his church family.

So here is my new update: Norm continues to struggle and has regressed significantly since being kicked out of the Richmond VA. If you want to send a thank you note send it to Dr. Donald Tower. They sent him on his way with his shunt way out of adjustment.

Now the Iowa VA has been equally helpful in that mom took Shawn to be fitted for a mouth guard a week or so ago, had an appointment, etc, etc. When she got there after a 90 mile drive, she was told he had no appt and even if she did that had to be done in the ER. First available 1 YEAR!

So what does she do??? She went back home with my brother still grinding his teeth.

How in the world can anybody recover from a life threatening injury that completely debilitated you with care like this??? Anybody have ANY SUGESSTIONS! I'm out of them other than love and God. My mother is wearing down after 11 months. My dad at 89 really can't take it any longer. My business won't sell yet so I'm stuck except for just giving it to the bank. I'm completely at a loss. Now we are looking for suggestions please. All will be considered. And yes the give forward site is still collecting money thanks to Judge!

Posted: 8/19/2015 8:31:05 AM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
It's been awhile. Sorry, I haven't had much time to keep the thread updated.

First, thank you to everyone who has helped support this cause. The family is very appreciative.

Second, I will try and update this as often as possible to keep it top of mind. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time for much other than 'work' and 'life' lately.

Here is the latest from the family. I wish it was better news to report. However, things for Norm aren't going that well.

Folks its been way too long since I posted on Norm / Shawn's site. And as a result I feel we are losing the momentum of his loving air force family and his church family.

So here is my new update: Norm continues to struggle and has regressed significantly since being kicked out of the Richmond VA. If you want to send a thank you note send it to Dr. Donald Tower. They sent him on his way with his shunt way out of adjustment.

Now the Iowa VA has been equally helpful in that mom took Shawn to be fitted for a mouth guard a week or so ago, had an appointment, etc, etc. When she got there after a 90 mile drive, she was told he had no appt and even if she did that had to be done in the ER. First available 1 YEAR!

So what does she do??? She went back home with my brother still grinding his teeth.

How in the world can anybody recover from a life threatening injury that completely debilitated you with care like this??? Anybody have ANY SUGESSTIONS! I'm out of them other than love and God. My mother is wearing down after 11 months. My dad at 89 really can't take it any longer. My business won't sell yet so I'm stuck except for just giving it to the bank. I'm completely at a loss. Now we are looking for suggestions please. All will be considered. And yes the give forward site is still collecting money thanks to Judge!

View Quote

Damn bro. No advice, but maybe someone here will be able to offer some. Thanks for the update, I wish things were going better than they are.

Posted: 8/25/2015 3:17:53 PM EDT

[#40]

UPDATE as of 1445 EST 25 AUG 2015

Praise the Lord!! Prayers are answered. Shawn has been accepted at RIC. He will be admitted on Monday for evaluation. I am so very appreciative of all the prayers. God's working His plan!

Posted: 8/25/2015 4:03:30 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
UPDATE as of 1445 EST 25 AUG 2015

Praise the Lord!! Prayers are answered. Shawn has been accepted at RIC. He will be admitted on Monday for evaluation. I am so very appreciative of all the prayers. God's working His plan!

View Quote

that's great news, glad to hear it!

Posted: 9/10/2015 10:38:54 PM EDT

[#42]

OP, any updates?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - FIREMISSION: please help the family of a former USAF Thunderbird

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