Murphy flies a Harrier

I've gotten a few emails noting that I mentioned a medical discharge, and wondering about the story behind that. As I said here, I flew the AV-8B Harrier for the Corps. The Harrier is a fantastic plane, but it does have its issues. One engine, centrally located, makes a lovely target for heat-seeking missiles. I lost a couple of friends that way during the First Gulf War.

The Harrier is a very advanced aircraft, but, to quote Mr. Scott, "the more you improve the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the pipes." Murphy's Law was flying with me that day. I was hovering, making a slow approach to my LZ, when I flamed out. Restart was unsuccessful, so I punched out from about 500 feet. Though it isn't my aircraft in this video, it happened a lot like this. The major difference was that I was over dry land. Ejection was successful, the chute deployed, but I hit the ground hard.

I was injured badly in my neck and lower back. It took two surgeries and a couple of years, but I recovered full motion in both areas. Unfortunately, I lost my flight status, and, given the choice between retraining and a medical retirement, I chose the latter. I thought it would help my marriage, but I was wrong.

So, that's how this fighter jock became an übergeek. It's been a long, twisting road, but I'm glad to be where I'm at today.