1 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –Bill Kleinedler and his father-in-law John Tripp hang the new sculpture "Wind Song" in the dining room May 13 at Brooke Army Medical Center. (Photo Credit: Lori Newman)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –"Wind Song," a sculpture created by a wounded warrior and former patient, adorns the wall of Brooke Army Medical Center's dining room. (Photo Credit: Lori Newman)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –Bill Kleinedler bends steel for the "Wind Song" sculpture, which will hang in the newly renovated dining room at Brooke Army Medical Center. (Photo Credit: Courtesy)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –Bill Kleinedler cuts out leaves made from copper for the "Wind Song" sculpture, which will hang in the newly renovated dining room at Brooke Army Medical Center. (Photo Credit: Courtesy)VIEW ORIGINAL
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Brooke Army Medical Center's dining room recently reopened and now there is a piece of unique artwork adorning the wall.
A wounded warrior and former burn patient, Bill Kleinedler, created "Wind Song," a piece of art made from bent steel and hand-hammered copper.
"My inspiration for the piece came from a cool breeze on my face and the search for tranquility," he said.
On Oct. 17, 2006, Kleinedler was hit by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. He spent several months at BAMC while recovering from his injuries.
"I am very proud to have a sculpture at BAMC," Kleinedler said. "I've met so many great people and have many memories of being there. It really is a second home to me, so having another sculpture there is a blessing and honor."
This sculpture is the second piece he has created here. His first is an 18-foot-high, wrought-iron butterfly sculpture that spirals up the massive fireplace in the Warrior and Family Support Center.
"I hope 'Wind Song' brings light and inspiration to those who look on it," he concluded.
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