Lockheed Martin announces veteran winners of Fighting Spirit Scholarship

Lockheed Martin recently announced the winners of its inaugural Fighting Spirit Scholarship for wounded veterans: retired U.S. Army Captain Ferris Butler, selected by nonprofit organization Able Flight, and retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Adam Keys, selected by Warrior Sailing Program.
 
"Lockheed Martin's support for the Able Flight program sets an important example of standing behind our military service members both in and out of uniform," Butler said. "It is very fitting that a firm that started in the aviation industry more than 100 years ago is now supporting veterans as they earn their very own pilot wings. By earning my wings, I will have an opportunity to find freedom from physical limitations as an amputee, while pursuing a new and very technical skill set."
 
Both Butler and Keys are Purple Heart recipients.
 
Butler is a double amputee following a 2006 improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Iraq. Through a six-week flight school provided by Able Flight, he will earn his pilot’s license and call sign.

Keys was injured in a 2010 IED attack in Afghanistan, which has left him a triple amputee. He will earn his Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification through the Warrior Sailing Program’s Basic and Advanced Training programs.
 
"I am very proud and honored to be sponsored by Lockheed Martin, and I am excited to continue working with Warrior Sailing Program to complete advanced training," Keys said. "My wounds are not an obstacle to me, and Lockheed Martin and the Warrior Sailing Program are allowing me to prove it. Whatever your fight may be -- just keep fighting."