Exec gains Wingman insight from wildlife rescue

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael E. Laughton
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  I was stationed at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, Fla., in the 1990s as an executive officer for the 832nd RED HORSE Squadron. 

One day, I'm sitting at my desk, plowing through paperwork, awards, and general correspondence, when a non-commissioned officer appeared and said, "Sir, I found something and I need your help." 

I'm thinking it's someone's wallet or a piece of jewelry as I inquired what it was.
"This, sir", as he moves his hand out from behind him and places a 7-inch tall live Screech Owl in my in-box. I stare at the owl and it stares right back at me.
I collect my thoughts, "Where'd you find it?" 

"It was by the side of the road and didn't fly away as I ran past." the NCO said. "I thought maybe you could help." 

I told him I'd see what I could do. 

So now it's me and this owl in my office, still staring at each other. The owl isn't moving and it isn't trying to escape. There must be something wrong with it.
I call the base veterinarian. I dial the number, someone answers and I say, "Hello someone just handed me a live owl." 

The person on the other end responds, "It's illegal to have an owl. They're a protected species." 

I tell them I want to find someone to take it off my hands. "Well, we don't take in wild animals. Try the Humane Society." 

I call the Humane Society. I start out, "Some Airman just gave me a live owl." The person interrupts, "It's illegal to have an owl ... they're a protected species." 

I tell them I think it's injured and I'm trying to find someone who can help." 

"We don't take in wild animals. Try the zoo." 

I call the zoo. I dial the number. "Some Airman just handed me a live owl."
The person on the other end responds, "It's illegal to have an owl; they're a protected species." 

"I know but it's injured and I want to find someone to take it off my hands." 

They tell me to take it to the wildlife rehabilitation center two hours away. 

A lady at the wildlife center comes out, picks up the owl and examines it. According to her, it has a broken wing which might or might not heal. Still she took the owl in, free of charge. 

Are there lessons learned here? Several. First, we're stewards of more than just our country and our freedoms. We're stewards of this planet. Second, our attitude towards big things is reflected in our attitude towards little things. I can no more ignore an injured animal than I would an Airman with a request. Third, trust your gut. Not everything is covered in the regulations. 

Do what feels right. I don't know if that owl survived or not, but I sleep pretty good at night knowing I did my best to help it.