Shining Star of Perseverance - Assurant Employee Benefits
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Honorees |
2005 Shining Star of Perseverance
Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, the first American military pilot to return to active flying duty after an above-the-knee amputation. In 1998, Lourake fractured his leg in a motorcycle accident. An antibiotic-resistant infection contracted in the hospital during his initial treatment resulted in 18 surgeries and the eventual amputation of the leg above the knee. In 2004, he was reinstated to active duty after being fitted for a computerized prosthetic leg and completing 500 hours of physical therapy. He currently serves as a Special Air Mission pilot for the 99th Airlift Squadron at Andrews Air Force, where he flies the First Lady, the Vice President and other dignitaries around the globe.
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