Description

On January 15, 2014, LT Kegan SMURF Gill nearly lost his life in the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history. He s spent every day since fighting to reclaim his mental, physical, and spiritual health-and now, he s encouraging other veterans to join the fight alongside him. Engaged in a dogfight while flying an F A-18E Super Hornet, US Navy fighter pilot Lieutenant Kegan Gill can do nothing but hold tight as his jet succumbs to an out-of-control dive, forcing him to eject at the staggering speed of 695 miles per hour mere seconds before crashing into the shark-infested, icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. When he regains consciousness in a hospital and realizes he is paralyzed by catastrophic injuries and his flying career is seemingly over, he is fueled by a new mission: to defy the odds. A grueling, multi-year journey of over a dozen surgeries, a struggle with prescription drug addiction, and emotional abuse culminates in his triumphant return to the cockpit of the F A-18. However, due to a lack of understanding of brain injuries and PTSD within the medical community and the dysfunctional VA healthcare system, he is subjected to a harmful regimen of psychotropic medications, exacerbating his cognitive struggles and leading him into the depths of paranoia and psychosis. With the support of family, friends, and a network of nonprofit organizations, Lieutenant Gill embarks on a new path to recovery. Embracing a healthier lifestyle and finding new hope through alternative treatment methods, including groundbreaking psychedelic therapy, he transforms into an ultra-endurance athlete, writer, and motivational speaker. His is an epic journey to hell and back, offering inspiration to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Phoenix Revival is more than a memoir-it s a testament to the human spirit s unyielding determination to rise from the ashes.