Editor's note

Airman, Sept, 2004

In "Putting His Best Foot Forward" [July 2004], Airman featured Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake and his desire to help amputees returning from Southwest Asia. The colonel had his leg amputated following an accident on a dirt bike.

At the time our story was printed, Colonel Lourake's waiver package to return to the cockpit was being routed through the approval process. Since then, the Air Force surgeon general has medically cleared the colonel after a batter), of medical and mobility tests.

The waiver restricts him to C-20 and C-37 aircraft and annual re-evaluations. He's awaiting a formal training slot to open so he can be requalified to fly.

"I feel as though I have been thrust into being a role model for other people with disabilities," Colonel Lourake said. "I am able to show them they can achieve what they want if they put their mind to it."