Erich Pichler

Erich was in MCRD, San Diego, for boot camp, after which he did SOI, and MCT training. He was stationed in Pensacola, FL., where he was trained for Air Traffic Control. His permanent station was Yuma, AZ., where he was doing hands on Air Traffic Control at the Marine base.

On October 6, 1996, Erich was the passenger in  3X roll over vehicle accident. He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and was in a coma for 41/2 months. When his condition stabilized, he was transferred to a Rehab hospital in Kentfield, CA., until his release in July of 97.

Erich has had a love of art since he was first able to hold a crayon. He won numerous awards in Jr. high and high school. Erich was very involved in 4.H, and was a cross-country runner in high school.

Erich has been in Occupational/physical Therapy for several years. He had to re-learn all the basics, walking, talking, speech and swallowing. The injury affected his entire body, especially eyesight, hearing, speech and mainly, balance.

Through all of this, Erich has maintained a sense of humor, love for family and friends, and especially his love of art. It has taken 5 years for him to be able to start painting again.

While still in a coma, he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

Erich was officially honorably retired from the Marine Corp in December of 1997.