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Wilmington Fire Department Honors 15 Year Old William Trinka : 15 Year Old William Trinka became an Air Force pilot with the rank of Captain on July 29,2007. He was also named to the United States Marime Corps Presidential Helicopter Squadron, the Wilmington Police Department and the Patriot Guard Riders. William is a 15 year old Shadow Lakes Resident who has a rare condition called Leukodystrophy also known as Alexander's Disease. It is a "Progressive degeneration of the white matter of the brain due to imperfect growth or development of the myelin sheath, the fatty covering that acts as an insulator around the nerve fiber,"according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The terminal condition typically shows up in childhood. It's victims don't generally make it to their 20's. Doctors at Johns Hopkins, and the University of Chicago and other centers of expertise, and was given 2 or 3 years to live. He has outlived his condition already said his uncle Kevin Lee a Chicago FireFighter From Engine 84 And Truck Co 51. William Recevied a letter of encouragement from The President and Mrs George W. Bush. William was pinned with pilot wings from U.S Marine Corps HMX1-the corps helicopter Squadron that transports the President.USMC Major Terry Wardinsky Did the pinning and asked for a corps Hoo-Rah. William also was pinned pilot wings for the United States Air Force and the Illinois Air National Guard by LT.Col Carrubba Of The United States Air Force and the Illinois Air National Guard. This made him a honoary member of the United States Air Force and a Pilot,"he said before saluting the new officer-a Captain. United Sates Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Jason Rampa read a letter from a young marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq between 2003 and 2005.Sgt.Brian L.Woznicki 2nd Force Reconnaissance Co, USMC, was injured three times,receiving the Purple Heart each time. Sgt. Woznicki gave William one of his Purple Hearts and said " I feel you have shown more bravery and heroism than i did any time during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is with great respect and honor that you recieve this award. The Patriot Guard Riders Gave William A Leather Vest With Patches And Pins On It. William was also made an honary member of the Wilmington Police Department. AND EVERYONE STARTED TO CRY WHICH MADE WILLIAM CRY. Thanks to Pat McCauley Of Chicago Fire Department Squad Company 1 for all you do And Chicago Fire Department Captain Mitch Cooker for your support

Wilmington Fire Department Honors 15 Year Old William Trinka

15 Year Old William Trinka became an Air Force pilot with the rank of Captain on July 29,2007. He was also named to the United States Marime Corps Presidential Helicopter Squadron, the Wilmington Police Department and the Patriot Guard Riders. William is a 15 year old Shadow Lakes Resident who has a rare condition called Leukodystroph ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2007 3:17pm PST