Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Ejection

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.