Pilot recovering from brain surgery

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. – Walking into his backyard after an Easter egg hunt Capt. Hunter Barnhill’s hand formed a fist, holding itself with incredible and uncontrollable strength, he attempted to spread his fingers but instead fell to the ground in front of friends, and 2-year-old son Nolan. Friends came to his aid; and as quickly as the seizure occurred, it was over. “It was more frustrating than painful,” said Hunter, a 37th Flying Training Squadron instructor at CAFB. After Easter 2017, the Barnhill’s lives would change forever. Capt. Hunter went to the flight doctor, who sent him to a hospital for an MRI. Doctors found a brain tumor. He was to have surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Because of his young age and good health, the doctors were able to be aggressive throughout Hunter’s surgery and follow-on appointments. The surgery caused him to suffer from Supplementary Motor Area Syndrome; and left him unable to speak, and paralyzed on the right side. He was in physical and speech therapy for three months. During the healing process he read and tried memorizing scripture to help his mind physically and mentally recover. His wife, Crystal, agreed that scripture and faith played a large part in keeping positive, staying calm, and optimistic. Hunter is hopeful to make a full recovery and continue to serve as a pilot in the AF. During recovery, fellow airmen from his squadron and CAFB have helped the family tremendously, according to Crystal. He is currently preparing to attend the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program trials at Nellis AFB, Nev., where he will compete in events to earn a spot in the Defense Department’s Warrior Games and possibly the Invictus Games. (Source: Columbus AFB 02/02/18)