Lt. Kinard is presented with an American flag from fellow Marines returning from Iraq.
2nd Lieutenant Andrew Kinard, USMC
On Sunday, April 1, 2007, 2nd Lt. Andrew Kinard was flown in a private jet to Ellis Albert Airport in Jacksonville, NC. In August of 2006, Lt Kinard deployed to Iraq with Alpha Co., 2ndLAR. He was severly wounded in October of 2006 losing both legs and suffering from many internal injuries. He deployed as an ambitious healthy Marine. He returned more motivated and inspiring, bearing the battle scars of a promise to the American way of life he vowed to uphold, regardless of the sacrifices required.
That Sunday was the first time Andrew has been out of the hospital since October 2006, his wish...to be at Camp Lejeune when his
fellow Marines returned from their 7 month deployment. Andrew needed to welcome them home and get some answers to the questions that
have haunted him since he was injured. What happened on that day in October?
Andrew's homecoming was that befitting of the sacrifices he has made - the airport runway was flanked by a 40 man Patriot Guard
welcome, all proudly hailing American flags.
Andrew's amazing smile shows his contentment over being back with ihs Marines.
A newly donated van escorted Andrew aboard Camp Lejeune. The caravan was received by
well-respected salutes as they passed thru the front gate. Upon reaching Warrior House™, Andrew was greeted by
friends and fellow Marines - all anxious to hug this amazing young man, whose spirit and courage epitomizes that of a hero.
He was presented with a new "humvee" of a wheelchair that suits his personality and his wish to be more mobile and active.
On Monday, April 2, 2007, Alpha Co. returned in typical homecoming style with tents and bouncy houses, children and families
carrying flags and waving signs. Andrew, in his new wheelchair was right up front. His charismatic smile told a story to all -
this day was more therapeutic than any amount of hospital rehabilitation could ever provide.
It is with great honor that Hope For The Warriors™ granted these wishes for Andrew and we take great personal joy in
seeing a hero come home!
Andrew with his physical therapist at Walter Reed.
We thank Jason Spencer of the Spartanburg Herald Journal and Photographer, Alex Hicks, Jr. for their devoted work to
Andrew and the Kinard family.
If you would like to help support our A Warrior's Wish® program, please go to
our Donate Today page.
For more information about our A Warrior's Wish® program or to request a wish,
please send an email to thewish@hopeforthewarriors.org
2dLt. Andrew Kinard shakes the hand of President George Bush upon his graduation from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
