Video: Two Retired Master Sergeants Making A Difference

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Sometimes, those that can inspire us the most, have endured some of our greatest fears.

Veterans shared near-death experiences with active duty airmen at Columbus Air Force Base on Thursday.

The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program turns lives around, and helps vets find their new normal.

“The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program essentially takes care of wounded, ill, and injured airmen with their needs. Obviously, folks who have been injured in a combat, or noncombat situation,” says Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, Tim Griggs.

Heroes, fighters, and encouragers, best describe the two retired Air Force Master Sergeants sharing their stories.

“The stories that we heard today from Chris and Lisa were some pretty horrific stories, and if they were able to bounce back, it was a testament that those of us who have problems, should maybe look a little bit more closer, and say there are people worse off than me, and I do have it within myself to kind of have that resiliency,” says Griggs.

On June 9, 2010, life changed for Master Sergeant Christopher Aguilera. During a rescue mission, his helicopter was hit and plummeted to the ground at over 100 miles per hour. He was the only survivor.

“I certainly don’t consider myself a hero, I was just around heroes when they died, that’s my point of view. I was just doing my job. I’m just a survivor, but to be able to touch these airmen in a way, you know, I don’t care if they remember my name, but I want them to remember the message, and that’s you know why everybody has the strength in them to carry on no matter what.”

Retired Master Sergeant Lisa Hodgden, also almost lost her life while serving our country. She says the program has allowed her to make it this far in her recovery, and now it’s her turn to help the ones around her.

“I just wanted to be a testament and an example of going through something so traumatic and barbaric, and being able to rise above it no matter what the time may be, that there is hope and that there is the ability within yourself, and that others can help, and that you can get past it.”