Hand transplant gives hope to Veteran

An article, "Transplant Recipient Sees Potential for Wounded Warriors", on the U.S. Department of Defense website tells the story of Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Janet McWilliams. She received the first hand transplant ever received in a Defense Department facility. Furthermore, she is only the 10th person, and first woman, in the U.S. to undergo the procedure.

About 9 years ago, she lost her left hand and suffered severe injuries to her right hand when a package bomb exploded in her office. Two weeks after her surgery Master Sgt. McWilliams was able to move her thumb and fingers. However, doctors say it will take at least six months before she will have any feeling in her new hand. She is excited about the possibilities her hand transplant holds for other severely injured U.S. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Honestly, all of us should be excited with her. Our veterans put life and limb on the line for us everyday to keep us safe and protect the freedoms we hold so dear. I can't think of a group of individuals that deserve a second chance more than them. Can you ??