'American Patriot' Citation Mustang Used For Final Leg Of Trip

Cessna Aircraft Company welcomed home to Wichita wounded veteran US Army Private First Class Shawn Williams (pictured) for Cessna's third Veterans Airlift Command mission. Williams came home to a crowd of several hundred Cessna employees, his family and the local American Legion Riders. Williams' step-father is a Cessna employee. This is Williams first holiday season home with his family for more than two years.

Williams was injured in Afghanistan in June of 2011, when the Stryker he was driving hit an improvised explosive device. He was airlifted to Germany, then to Washington and ultimately to San Antonio for treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center. He suffered burns to his hands and face, had pins inserted into his foot and was confined to a wheelchair until three weeks ago.

Read more about Williams injuries and rescue on the official US Army website, using the FMI link below.

Cessna, on November 9, designated a Citation Mustang called "American Patriot"  to provide free transportation for injured veterans. Cessna CEO Scott Ernest explained, "Our commitment of the 'American Patriot' to support the Veterans Airlift Command allows us to demonstrate our gratitude and provides Cessna with a way to give back to our wounded warriors. I encourage those who have not yet registered their aircraft with VAC to join up and fly with us so no travel need goes unmet."

FMI: www.army.mil/article/60226/Medical_professionals_in_Afghanistan_strive_to_treated_wounded_within__golden_hour_/ ; www.cessna.com.