A helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, Walter Fricke founded The Veterans Airlift Command (http://www.veteransairlift.org/) to provide free air transportation for wounded and recovering troops and veterans with their families through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Walt himself spent six months in a hospital 700 miles from his hometown. He realized, "my healing began in earnest when my family was able to gather the resources to make a trip to visit me." Since its founding, VAC has flown over 180,000 miles to reunite troops with their loved ones.

Walt was nominated by Sergeant John M. Kriesel of the U.S. Army Infantry:

"I lost both of my legs when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded under my Humvee, killing two of my best friends. This was a devastating blow. I believe that the healing doesn't truly start until you are with loved ones."

"Walt's organization [Veteran's Airlift Command] flew my mother-in-law and father-in-law with my two sons (ages 5 and 6) when I needed them the most. We were never in a financial situation where we could afford to fly my children back and forth to Minnesota. Walt had a portion of his lower leg blown off in the Vietnam War, so he understands what it is like to be wounded and far away from home. Because of his experience he also serves as an amazing mentor and motivator for war vets that feel like their life is over because of their injury."