Birdman receives hero’s welcome at Italy checkpoint before continuing to Dallas
Citizens of Italy, Margie Castro, Joyce Hobbs, Jessie Castro, and son, Emanuela Castro, are beaming with pride in anticipation of the Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation Executive Director, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, who embarked on a 100-mile continuous run through central and north Texas on Memorial Day weekend with a goal of raising $100,000, the equivalent of $1,000 per mile, for burn survivors. Parrott, a former US Navy SEAL, will begin his trek at the national cemetery in Waco, Texas, at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, and finish Monday morning at Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Burn Unit in Dallas. A portion of Parrott’s non-stop trek will took him through West, Texas, on Sunday morning as a tribute to the victims of the April tragedy. (Barry Byers)
Italy — City of Italy Mayor James Hobbs, representatives from the Italy Fire Department, the Italy Police Department and patriotic citizens of Italy gathered late last night outside the Italy checkpoint setup to provide medical treatment and food for Son of the Flag Burn Foundation executive director Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, who embarked on 100-mile for 100k run from Waco to Dallas Sunday morning while making quick stops in West, Texas and in Italy as Birdman raises awareness to help fund research dedicated to helping burn survivors.
After arriving at the Italy checkpoint which was lined with American and Texas flags waving and supporters cheering, Parrot received medical treatment, food and and an American flag from Mayor Hobbs who thanked the war hero for his service to our country and wished him luck on the remainder of his journey.
Ryan served eight years as a U.S. Navy SEAL completing multiple combat tours to Iraq and several other deployments to areas around the world. Ryan joined forces with Craft International founded by Chris Kyle before his passing. Chris was devoted to those that serve and Craft will work to continue his legacy.before his passing. Chris was devoted to those that serve and Craft will work to continue his legacy.
In 2005, Ryan was riding atop a humvee manning the gun turret in enemy territory when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED), causing a flash fire and throwing him from from the humvee. Though burned himself, Ryan witnessed his fellow team members in a much more severe situation. The subsequent explosions and fire left three of his teammates severely wounded and bleeding. His teammates have lifelong injuries that they are still recovering from, but all three are alive.
Ryan was given the nickname, “Birdman,” as a description of his flight thru the air after his humvee exploded launching him several feet into the sky. His teammates said he resembled a bird as he flapped his arms before crashing to the ground.
“My own experience and the experiences of others keeps me emotionally involved and motivated to achieve the goals of The Sons of the Flag. Still being able to put forth the fight, I know it is my duty to successfully carry out this mission with honor and integrity for those who have survived traumatic burn injuries.” — Ryan “Birdman” Parrott
For Immediate Release:
Son of the Flag Burn Foundation executive director set for 100-mile run Continuos run from Waco to Dallas on Memorial Day weekend seeks to raise $100,000.
DALLAS — Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation Executive Director Ryan “Birdman” Parrott will be embarking on a 100-mile continuous run through central and north Texas on Memorial Day weekend with a goal of raising $100,000, the equivalent of $1,000 per mile, for burn survivors.
Parrott, a former US Navy SEAL, will begin his trek at the national cemetery in Waco, Texas, at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, and finish Monday morning at Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Burn Unit in Dallas. A portion of Parrott’s non-stop trek will take him through West, Texas, on Sunday morning as a tribute to the victims of the April tragedy.
Upon completion of the run, Parrott is scheduled to attend the closing ceremonies of Dallas’ Carry the Load Memorial March. Sons of the Flag, a 501©(3) organization created to advance and accelerate the development and research of cutting-edge technologies for burn survivors, is one of the five beneficiaries of Carry the Load’s fundraising efforts this year.
“Too often, burn survivors and their caretakers face what seems, at the time, an impossible journey. Maybe, in some small way, this will help inspire those survivors with their journey, and encourage others to help us meet our financial goal to support their medical needs,” said Russ Spears, Sons of the Flag’s Vice President and Navy veteran.
Last year, according to the National Burn Association, more than 450,000 people in the United States suffered burns. Over 40,000 people were hospitalized for their injuries, with more than 30,000 requiring treatment at specialized burn hospitals.
Sasha Denman, Sons of the Flag’s civilian advocate, said, “As a burn survivor, I know firsthand the extreme need for new and improved methods to treat burn injuries. Sons of the Flag is playing a vital role in aiding and encouraging efforts that will lead to improved quality of life for burn survivors.”
To find out more information about the Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation visit: SonsoftheFlag.org as well as Facebook.com/SonsoftheFlag. To donate to the “100 for 100” campaign visit: SonsoftheFlag.org/100-for-100.
Comment from David Ball, 5/28/13-10:39am
Barry Byers,
Very nice article and tribute to the events in Italy on Sunday night. Also nice to meet you and your citizens. I cheered on Birdman the next morning in Dallas on his route, then his final destination at Riverchan Park.
Very inspirational weekend.
-David Ball