: LT Kegan 'Smurf' Gill, USN (Ret.)
: Phoenix Revival The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Survived Ejection
: Ballast Books
: 9781964934570
: Phoenix Revival
: 1
: CHF 10.70
:
: Biographien, Autobiographien
: English
: 294
: kein Kopierschutz
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
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.

LT Kegan 'SMURF' Gill, USN (Ret.), is a former US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot, best known for enduring the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history. In 2014, at a staggering 695 miles per hour, he ejected into the sound barrier, suffering devastating injuries. The violent forces left him with multiple traumas, leading to over a dozen surgeries and an extensive rehabilitation process. Despite these extraordinary challenges, Kegan's indomitable spirit brought him back to flying. But the road to recovery went far beyond the physical-he faced PTSD, cognitive impairments from a traumatic brain injury, and the frustrating complexities of navigating a broken healthcare system. It was through holistic therapies, including groundbreaking psychedelic-assisted treatments, that Kegan experienced profound healing and renewal. Now, Kegan is dedicated to sharing his hard-earned lessons on resilience and transformation. As a motivational speaker, author, athlete, husband, and father, he draws on his journey to inspire others facing their own battles. His story serves as living proof that no matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem, it is possible to rise, overcome, and thrive.

ADVANCE PRAISE FORPHOENIX REVIVAL

“Phoenix Revival by Kegan Gill is an inspiring memoir that recounts Gill’s remarkable journey from surviving the fastest ejection in naval aviation history to becoming an advocate for alternative medicine and recovery. After ejecting at a speed of 695 mph, Gill suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His story isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s also about overcoming addiction, finding alternative healing methods, and ultimately thriving through ultra-endurance sports and public speaking.

Gill’s experience with the limitations of conventional treatments for TBI and PTSD led him to explore alternative therapies, including indigenous medicine. His commitment to recovery and wellness turned him into an advocate for others struggling with chronic health conditions, especially veterans. He now shares his story to inspire resilience and holistic approaches to healing.

Gill’s journey, documented inPhoenix Revival, serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity through both traditional and alternative methods of healing, making it a must-read for those interested in recovery from trauma and brain injuries.”

—Mark L. Gordon, MD,
founder of Millennium Health Centers,
a veteran TBI program

“As a fellow veteran, I’ve seen resilience in many forms, but Kegan Gill’s story is truly extraordinary. After ejecting from a jet at dangerous speeds, he faced injuries so severe that doctors said he would never walk again. Yet, through sheer determination, he defied those odds and conquered obstacle after obstacle along the way. I had the honor of meeting him during an ultramarathon, where his perseverance and unyielding warrior spirit were on full display. His journey is an inspiring testament to the power of the human will, and this book will motivate anyone who reads it to face life’s challenges head-on. An unforgettable story of courage, strength, and unwavering resolve.”

—Jesse Gould,
former US Army Ranger,
founder of Heroic Hearts Project

“As a former SEAL and a physician for thousands of SEALs, I have had the good fortune to work with some of the most amazing survivors in the world. However, nothing comes close to Kegan’s story. His story is the most impactful and amazing tale of survival and determination I have ever heard, and Kegan’s humility and humor make the story even more amazing and enjoyable. Do yourself the favor of reading this amazing adventure. I know you will find inspiration beyond what you previously thought possible.”

—Kirk R. Parsley, MD, former US Navy SEAL

“The durability of a man is a direct reflection of his life and the experiences he has had. In the harshest moments of life, durability is the one quality that cannot be absent. It is the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. In Kegan’s story, you will find his ability to overcome extreme obstacles is not a result of resources or talent but rather an innate drive to survive. He truly is one of the most durable humans I know, and I’m honored to be part of his journey.”

—Justin Sheehan, US Navy SEAL

“I could not stop reading this book once I started it. SMURF’s story is a cookbook of turning lemons into lemonade. Reading his account of the aftermath of his ejection brought with it a flood of memories surrounding that time in our professional and personal lives together in the Dogs. Being young and naive, I thought we were all invincible. Little did any of us know that the ejection over Mary Lee’s hunting ground was only the beginning of a half-decade long nightmare that he had to pull himself out of, much like a nose-low maneuver in the G Bucket. Kegan’s grit, unending optimism, and support of his family are a true testament to the indomitable nature of the human spirit and demonstrate that we nailed his call sign—he is one Scrappy MotherFucker, a.k.a. SMURF.”

—LCDR Tom “FISTY” Flynn,
US Navy F/A-18 pilot

“In life, we often encounter defining moments—those times when the world seems to either break us down or force us to rise in ways we never thought possible. Survival and resiliency are words that carry immense weight, especially to those who’ve stood at the edge and been tested by fire. I’ve seen firsthand how the human spirit can transcend the harshest trials. That’s why Kegan Gill’s insights into survival and resilience resonate so profoundly with me. He has distilled a lifetime of wisdom into these pages, hard-won lessons that only come from pushi