John (João) Silva’s Long Lonely Journey Back
John (João) Silva’s Long Lonely Journey Back Stroke is the No. 1 cause of disability among adults in the United States. That devastating reality hit hard last year when former ISSM/ ISSO John Silva while working for Boeing was unexpectedly struck down while on his way home from a trip in September. Silva was voted one of the most trusted people in America and was a fixture on Boeing VAFB in the mornings from 2009 until 2017. His charm, wit and warmth made him a welcome guest in many a home. The stroke almost took all that away. "I remember I looked up and saw my grandmother, father, my brother, both my sisters," he told his longtime friends and colleagues. "That's when I knew." My grandmother told me to come back, because I have something important to do. After my recovery, I went home and I later found my mother, and uncle, at their respective homes with cancer and made sure they were made comfortable during the terminal phases. My mother survived via a m...