In 1999, Air Force Technical Sergeant Jeremy Starr was on active duty in Aviano, Italy when he snapped his knee, with two menisci tears and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Four years later, he re-injured his ACL and was told that his military life could be over. Surgery using a donated tendon and meniscus allografts allowed him to continue his military career and enjoy cross-country running. Jeremy not only does his part to support his country, but he also serves as an inspiring example of how tissue donation improves lives and saves careers.

Jeremy's Story

Air Force Technical Sergeant Jeremy Starr*, currently assigned to the 305th Aerial Port Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, was on active duty in Aviano, Italy, in 1999, when a casual game resulted in a snapped knee, with two menisci tears and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that joins the upper and lower leg bones.

Jeremy’s knee was repaired in 2001. But while stationed in Korea four years later, he re-injured his ACL and was told that his military life could be over. In the spring of 2006, while stationed at Hickman Air Force Base in Hawaii, he met the surgeon who would save his military career.

Lt. Col. Daniel White, MD of Honolulu’s Tripler Medical Center told Jeremy that the injury had caused his left leg to bow, a condition that would prevent him from remaining in the Air Force, where he enjoyed a career leading more than 60 military personnel.

Dr. White performed a two-phase surgery to correct the bowing and, using a donated tendon and meniscus allografts, repaired Jeremy’s ACL and replaced both menisci. An exceptional athlete in track and field since high school, Jeremy was delighted when he ran his first mile recently in just 10 minutes.

“Lt. Col. White has allowed me to continue my career in the military and my love for cross-country running,” said Jeremy. “Even at 30, I can outrun most of the younger personnel in my unit. It is a great feeling and I owe most of it to Dr. White, my tissue donor and the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation.”

Jeremy is the recipient of three Air Force Commendation Medals, five Air Force Achievement Medals, Combat Readiness Medal, three Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Medal, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, and numerous letters of appreciation.

Not only does he do his part to support his country, but he also serves as an inspiring example of how tissue donation improves lives and saves careers.

* Jeremy Starr is participating in the Donate Life Rose Parade on an individual and voluntary basis. His voluntary participation does not constitute US Air Force or Department of Defense endorsement for, sponsorship of, or preferential treatment toward MTF or its affiliates.