Support Daniel Pinkava: A Hero's Home Restoration

My name is Maryah and I live in Massachusetts. I am asking for help on behalf of my good friend, retired LTC Daniel Pinkava.

Daniel "Pink" Pinkava is a war hero who retired as a Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force. His military career spanned over thirty years of service, five continents, and more than ten major wars or conflicts. On June 24, 1991, Pink was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for acts of heroism while participating in aerial flight during the Persian Gulf War. While under heavy fire, Pink led the initial attack wave deep into enemy territory without any reservation to self to ensure existential threats to American forces were removed. These heroic actions prevented the annihilation of several American and Coalition ground units which ultimately contributed to the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. His exemplary service to the United States was further highlighted when he was awarded the Bronze Star on July 18, 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Daniel was part of the Special Operations element that had inserted into hostile territory during the opening hours of the war. During constant missile and air attacks he deftly crafted and fielded a first ever solution that negated the chemical and biological threats to American forces. His revolutionary design continues to be referenced by the United States military as a textbook example for operating in contested and denied territory where American forces would experience a cataphoric loss of life without this type of solution. In May 2017, after thirty two year of flying into combat zones and experiencing several crashes while safeguarding his fellow Special Operations teammates, Daniel “Pink” Pinkava was forced into a medical retirement.

 

Despite his heroic actions, these events and many more like them have led to an extreme case of PTSD where he has struggled to cope with normal day-to-day tasks such as routine maintenance or upkeep of a home. His recent layoff has put an unmanageable pressure on his fixed military retirement income and is exacerbating his ability to accomplish basic repairs. This is further compounded by his recent medical emergencies where he had to have emergency heart surgery. Though he is receiving treatment for his PTSD, he is currently unable to finish repairs and maintain his home and has to live in unsafe conditions where he is exposed to the outside elements.

 

Upon hearing his story, fellow veterans have banded together to help Pink restore his home to livable conditions where he can feel safe and secure while receiving PTSD therapy and care for his disabled son. Scores of men and women from local businesses are volunteering their time to go to his home to replace or repair critical items. 

One large ticket item we could use help obtaining would be a stair chair lift. Unfortunately due to the state of Pink’s home we are going to have to move him to the basement where he will often have to utilize the stairs to reach the rest of the house. We are worried that the stairs will soon become a hazard and are asking for donations to fund the stair chair lift. Any additional funds raised will be utilized to hire a regular cleaning service to help maintain the home.

Your help donating would greatly aid in our crusade in helping a veteran who has given so much in service of our country. We appreciate any help you can give us and million thanks in advance!

If you're curious to learn more about Pink check out this episode of Veterans Remember featuring him https://images.app.goo.gl/bRbHbf5sH1qTwMMh8