Commentary - My life was changed forever

News > Commentary - My life was changed forever

My life was changed forever

Posted 6/6/2011

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Commentary by Staff Sgt. Anthony Huling
20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron

6/6/2011 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- My life was changed forever February 11.

It was a Friday. I was glad to be getting off work, because I was going to be on leave for the next two weeks.

Around 5 p.m., my friend, Chris, texted me and asked if I wanted to come over to his house. Since my wife was taking my daughter over to a friend's house, I decided to go.

When I arrived, he was in his garage building a paint booth for his motorcycle. So, I started helping him out. We were working and having some drinks. Somewhere around 10:30 p.m., we decided to take his motorcycle for a spin.

We headed out of our neighborhood, and it was only about a half mile before we veered off of the road.

The next thing I remember is waking up in a helicopter. It felt like a bad dream. I asked the EMT where I was and what happened. They told me that I had been in a motorcycle accident, and I was being airlifted to the hospital. I was told that we were driving between 80 and 120 mph.

Chris and I were thrown about 100 feet from the cycle. There were several bones broken in my back and road rash on my forehead, back, chest, stomach, knees, ankles and toes. I now have nerve damage in both arms.

Chris was not as lucky. He has severe head trauma and some broken ribs. He is also currently in a coma and is not responding.

I can only hope and pray that he will wake up.

Our selfish act affected our family, friends and co-workers.

When his wife heard us leave she got in her car to find us. She was passed by an ambulance heading out and followed. She arrived on scene and saw us lying on the asphalt.

She rushed back to my house to get my wife. Luckily, my oldest daughter was spending the night at a friend's house.

Chris was just recently married, and his wife was pregnant. We had to postpone my youngest daughter's second birthday party.

Most people don't get a second chance in life. I would have never made this mistake if I had not been drinking.

I thought I had a safe plan.

But, that all fell apart because I could not make any responsible decisions after I started drinking.

I pray that none of you will ever have to go through something like this. The world does not look the same as it did before the accident. Only by God's grace am I alive and able to tell this story.

Comments

11/28/2011 4:31:59 AM ET
Did SSgt Huling receive any kind of punishment at all for this alcohol related incident or was everything forgiven because he got hurt? Because he put on TSgt in June of this year. How did he not get his line number red-lined or at the minimum get a referal EPR due to his actions?

TSgtD, Texas

6/13/2011 3:32:01 PM ET
Um, Carl, I hope I am actually reading sarcasm in your comment regarding enlisted members deserving punishment more than commissioned officers. I mean, you aren't serious, right?

Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Rojek, Fort George G. Meade Md.

6/10/2011 12:51:19 PM ET
@Some lowly A1C: You're right, you haven't been in the AF long and haven't seen a fraction of what a lot of the people here have. Had any of your loved ones been involved in the wreck with this guy, you wouldn't be huggy/kissy for this guy. You, as "some lowly A1C," have no right to say who deserves stripes and who doesn't. I couldn't care less what you think. I have devoted my life to the AF for over a decade; the last thing that's needed is some A1C to come here telling everyone how they should be. You are the reason the AF is in a downhill slide. SSgt Huling gets no sympathy from me. He is supposed to set the example, not be the example of what not to do. If anything, he should be a SrA right now. If he were my troop, that's exactly what I would push for.

MSgt. J, AL

6/10/2011 12:11:35 PM ET
I can't think of how many safety briefings I have been to or how many times my leadership has informed the squadron of a motorcycle or DUI mishap. The hard truth is that SSgt Hurling knew the risks of drinking and driving. If he were the passenger, he shouldn't have allowed his buddy to drive. Then again, our writer was drinking as well, knew the consequences and still made the decision. I have no doubt that SSgt Hurling has been to many safety briefings and motorcycle safety briefings; obviously these briefings did not educate him. This is just going to bring about one more safety and DUI brief that obviously does not get through the thick skulls of some people. The current way of educating Airmen on this issue is apparently not working. Senior leaders need to develop a new plan of action to combat this. The base where I am at now just had a deadly DUI outside of the gates. Instead of addressing the tragedy of what happened, the base commander wants everyone to wear reflective belts.

Dutch, Travis AFB

6/10/2011 8:57:51 AM ET
Lowly A1C: Knowledge of having made a mistake does not excuse an individual from the consequences of said mistake. SSgt Huling should still reap what he sowed. The fact that he was injured also does not excuse him from taking his punishment like a man. If instead of wrecking they had been pulled over and charged with DUI, would you still be so sympathetic? It's not naysaying to insist that someone is held responsible for their actions; it's behaving like an adult. One day you will understand that. Your assertion that someone with much more Air Force and life experience than you should lose stripes for insisting on adult behavior is laughable at best. Your best bet is to sit back and learn from those with more experience than yourself.

SrA, Eglin

6/10/2011 6:31:45 AM ET
So, A1C Lowly, defender of the American way of life, are you suggesting that not only should people not express themselves in a way that bothers you on a public forum, but that it should also be easily censored because it may bother you? Do you even know WHY you wear that uniform?

Bear, Japan

6/10/2011 4:17:46 AM ET
No line of duty determination.

Sgt Whoever, CONUS

6/9/2011 5:24:11 PM ET
Salt in the wound, callous comments, etc., come with the territory. Yep, I'm sure he learned his lesson and will continue to receive the stink eye from time to time. There will also be a hefty weight of guilt that won't go away anytime soon, especially with regards to his friend's status and his wife's pregnancy. I think other people will learn as much from all the salt in the wound and callous comments as they will from making the mistake firsthand. This guy has the guts to tell his story. I'm sure he is plenty strong enough to face a few callous comments, too. I think this is called life. Just generally speaking, providing immediate sympathy can divert the person from owning up to the responsibility of their mistake. Keep that in mind.

DB, JBPHH

6/9/2011 5:00:14 PM ET
@ all the negative comments, get a life. SSgt Huling may have made a mistake, but he knows it was a mistake. I forgot that you guys were comparable to God in perfection, right? I haven't been in the Air Force long, but your negativity and unwanted no UNNEEDED and should be deleted from this commentary along with some of those stripes on your shoulder to get rid of your hubris and self-righteous mind set. I'm sure glad i have had the honor of not knowing you and i hope it stays that way. I cannot stand the idea of nay sayers such as yourselves being ahead of me in rank. My best wishes for both airmen and their families.

Some lowly A1C, CONUS

6/9/2011 11:33:31 AM ET
TSgt Picka I applaud you for seeing through the smoke. I is so easy for people to view him as a victim when in fact he reall is not. This was the outcome of his own decision making, which could and will effect himself his family and the coworkers in the USAF. I hope his leadership does decide to make an example out of him as many of the enlisted folks make these irresponsible decisions on a constant basis. I could understand if this were an USAF officer, but it was not. The ranking system is set for a reason and enlisted members should be punished for their actions. Hopefully his A15 will be the message his peers need to hear.

Carl, VA

6/9/2011 2:51:05 AM ET
Wow Staff Sgt. Huling, you're my hero. You were busted drunk driving and got off free because you got hurt. That's so cool I can't wait for Friday so I can follow the great example of an NCO like you. You're a true inspiration to me and my fellow Airmen. Great job doing something amazing just like the recruiter told me.

Proud Airmen, Edwards AFB

6/9/2011 2:40:23 AM ET
@ SNCO JC from SAFB, So if the guy wasn't in a coma we should give him a DUI? what sense does that make? Just because he got injured doesn't mean he shouldn't get punished. I'm sure if he would have jumped on his bike and drove and hit one of your family members you would react differently. The thing is he put so many people in harms way when he made the decision to drink and drive. It seems like people keep downplaying DUIs.

o'brien, Europe

6/8/2011 9:20:59 PM ET
You guys are right. A couple of guys that would get drunk and then go out for a night ride would obviously be wearing the appropriate PPE because they care about following the law. TSgt Picka should be chastised because he's the one that messed up in this scenario. I hate the required vests and briefings and it's guys like those in this article that are making riding suck for the rest of us.

Disgruntled Rider, DM

6/8/2011 5:45:52 PM ET
You dont get road rash all over your body when you wear proper riding gear. A squid is someone who rides a motorcycle in shorts and flip flops and wonders why they have no skin left. You all make me sick by defending someone who made a very stupid mistake and could have easily hit you head on at 120 mph and killed your entire family. Had that happened, everyone here would be calling for him to be fried. Tough love people. Its what made America the best place on earth.

TSgt Picka, MDL

6/8/2011 2:17:38 PM ET
TSgt Picka...you are spot on. I'm not sure the intent of this commentary. Is it regret? Is it a pity-party? Is it trying to show everyone how stupid SSgt Huling and his buddy acted? Bottom line, he and his friend made numerous stupid mistakes and they should be held accountable for their actions. First, I thought I had a safe plan. Really? What safe plan was that? Second, that all fell apart because I could not make any responsible decisions after I started drinking. Maybe they should have made responsible decisions BEFORE they started drinking. I don't feel sorry for him one bit. He wanted to participate in an adult activity and FAILED to behave like an adult.

D. Heffernan, Queens NY

6/8/2011 1:59:29 PM ET
The problem seems to be valid points get lost in an inexplicable need to be crass and rude. If the member willingly got on a motor vehicle and drove drunk it should be treated as such. Him being in a coma and the injuries are inconsequential. If your airmen get in a bar fight and get a broken jaw, do you not write paperwork because the whooping taught them the lesson? There should also be an LOD determination before the government foots these bills. They were the result of a knowingly wreckless act and those are the consequences. You treat it as you do every other DWI it's consistency right. Just because someone gets hurt doesn't make it any less punishable than someone pulled over by the cops. Demotion, forfeiture in pay, referral UIF... all acceptable here. And he knows it without you all trash talking it. Since when does integrity first include kicking a man when he's down. Standards and values can be exercised with tact and grace... the article wasn't asking ...

JB, Denver

6/8/2011 1:16:52 PM ET
To the two people involved in this incident and their families, I wish nothing but the best in terms of recovery and healing. I do have an issue when people speak of a DUI as a mistake. It is a crime. One of the main reasons we continue to have these types of stories is because it is treated as some mistake that could happen to anyone. Let's not confuse a DUI with sleeping through an alarm clock.

Paul, Boston

6/8/2011 1:07:28 PM ET
@SNCO JS - I disagree. The AF is very clear about drinking and driving. The driver knew this. Getting hurt is not an excuse for his actions. However I would like to know the BAC of the driver. Perhaps he was legally sober and just made a mistake. The mention of alcohol only adding to the honesty of the story.@TSgt Picka - Way to be a wingman buddy.

SSgt Case, Asheville NC

6/8/2011 12:08:04 PM ET
I believe its important to share a story like this. I also experienced a motorcycle wreck with my best friend 24 years ago. We were young and reckless but that changed in an instant. A painful 13 mile walk home reinforced how lucky we were. I pray that you and Chris can rebuild your lives. @TSgt Picka maybe one day youll learn empathy. If you had a lapse in judgment I promise not denigrate you in a public forum.

PF, Ramstein

6/8/2011 10:36:33 AM ET
@ Airman and SRA...Wow let's slap the guy in a coma with a DUI. Are you kidding me? To the now infamous TSgt Picka, your comment was callous uncaring and really shows the caliber of NCO you are. You must be a real gem to work with at McGuire. SSgt. Huling, I wish you and your friend both speedy recoveries. Thank you for sharing your story so hopefully this tragic mistake doesn't get repeated by others.

SNCO JS, Scott AFB

6/7/2011 7:01:26 PM ET
You tell em TSgt. I'm sure he needs the awesome comment you typed. He sure learned his lesson now. SSgt. Huling, at least you learned something from this. Natural selection aside some times it takes hard lesson in order for one to learnchange behaviors.

POA member, AF

6/7/2011 6:18:46 PM ET
I am a Safety guy. I read the preliminary report, I read the final report and I have read your commentary. I talk, I teach, I preach the rules and requirements. I started out Angry, I moved on to Disbelief and now I am Saddened. The cost of this mistake is so much more than people know two families lives in an enduring turmoil. The rules are there for a reason. We tell you all up front that Safety requirements are written in blood. I can't think of a better testamonial to that than your commentary

Michael S. Fischer, Columbus AFB MS

6/7/2011 6:11:26 PM ET
TSgt Picka, that comment is way out of line. It's callous and cold-hearted. I guess you didn't get the memo that we are all an Air Force family. Sometimes our brothers and sisters in blue make bad decisions and incidents like these sometimes are the result. Glad to see you're another NCO who only cares about himself. Your comment about how SSgt Huling's plight negative impacts motorcyclists throughout DOD clearly shows you are a Me-first NCO. When it comes to compassion, you sir are awarded zero points and may God have mercy on your soul. As for SSgt Huling, I wish you and your friend a speedy recovery and I can tell you've learned a valuable lesson.

SrA D, DMAFB

6/7/2011 6:10:15 PM ET
You're out of line to verbally condemn Staff Sgt. Huling in this open forum. In fact, your response sets an example of the lack of compassion that's eroding our Air Force and American culture. How can we be wingmen if we all sit on the sidelines under the heirs of righteous indigination? Just sit on the sidelines and act as the judge whenever we read or see issues like this. This article's intent was to get people to think before they act. Deplorable, TSgt Picka deplorable...I suggest you think before you post next time.

J Shields, Colorado Springs

6/7/2011 3:16:17 PM ET
Thank you for posting this commentary. In regards to the previous comment I can only assume the phrase stupid squid refers to our brothers and sisters in the U.S. Navy. In this day and age of Joint Operations a little inter-service rivalry is still fun. However, referring to Sailors as stupid squids is a little over the top. Not trying to be the PC police, but the phrase is inappropriate, especially when the topic is one of life and death.

Eric, Joint Base Charleston

6/7/2011 11:48:12 AM ET
Two things...1. I thank you for taking the time to tell your story to the other riders out there. You made a mistake, dealt with the actions of it, and now are taking actions to ensure that others don't make the same mistake. I had the opportunity to meet you at our Wing Motorcycle Safety Seminar and I thank you for sharing your story with others. Hopefully it will prevent this from happening again. 2. The previous comment was very unprofessional. The young man made a mistake as we all have and has tried to ensure others don't by writing this article. We are not a judge or jury for others but Wingmen that support each other even when they make mistakes. I have looked in this man's eyes. I can never imagine the amount of emotions and pain that he has to live with daily. But I thank him for sharing his story so hopefully it does not happen again.

MSgt A, Shaw

6/7/2011 9:57:19 AM ET
Why someone would have a drink and ride a motorcycle is beyond me due to the virtually nonexistent margin of error that entails the art of safe motorcycle riding even when you're doing everything right. These guys didn't deserve what happened to them, but they get nothing in the sympathy department because they knew better. Keep messing it up for those of us who ride safe and the AF's natural tendency to knee jerk react may one day cost us bluesuiters the feeling and camraderie that only comes with riding a motorcycle, and what a shame that would be. Two wheels move the soul. Ride safe.

MSgt Henry Thomas, BLV

6/7/2011 9:46:59 AM ET
TSgt PickaI, don't ready anywhere stating they weren't wearing the required PPE in this. Drinking and getting on a motorcycle is the message maybe we or you should focus on the message at hand.

KB, DC

6/7/2011 8:03:46 AM ET
Wow, TSgt ObviousPicka. I really don't think SSgt Huling is walking around thinking his decision wasn't stupid, but I'm sure he appreciates you pointing it out again. Luckily I am sure SSgt Huling has much bigger things to worry about than being flamed by you. Look, he and his friend messed up and no doubt they will never forget it. I thank him for sharing his story - probably mandated nonetheless - and I hope it prevents someone else from making the samesimilar mistake. I also hope they both live to recount the story to their children.

MSgt Fazekas - retired, Shaw

6/7/2011 4:07:21 AM ET
Air Force should make an example out of them and hit the driver with a DUI.

Airman, Europe

6/7/2011 3:56:58 AM ET
A safe plan? You had no plan what so ever. You got a second chance at life but as such a terrible decision maker that second chance should come as an A1C with a DUI on his record.

SrA, Incirlik

6/7/2011 1:05:21 AM ET
@ TSgt Picka- where in this commentary did it say that the motorcycle operator wasn't wearing all the appropriate gear. It seems as though you're making an assumption. The accident did not happen because of a lack of PPE, but because of alcohol and poor decisions. Will this accident ruin riding for others in the DoD? No it can't get any more strict than it already is. The only thing that happened was that SSgt Huling and his friend re validated that people make poor decisions. Unfortunately, he was on a motorcycle and all the non-motorcycle riders think we are crazy speed freaks. Car operators make poor decisions all the time, whether it is not using a turn signal speeding textingtalking or even doing all of that while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Go ahead and belittle him though if that's what makes you feel better than him.

Jason, Right Here

6/6/2011 11:15:18 PM ET
Hey Picka, I think he gets it. The unsolicited verbal counseling is pretty much salt in the wound don't you think

PB, US

6/6/2011 3:09:28 PM ET
You acted like a stupid squid and paid the hefty price. ATGATT (All the Gear All the Time) isn't just a lame moniker and now you know this to be true. Adding booze to your squid mistake just compounds the issue. Your bad decision ruins it for other responsible cycle riders in the DOD. Your scars will remind you that its better to sweat in protective gear for an hour than bleed for a week.

TSgt Picka, MDL

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