Rensselaer National Guard member has successful surgery after chopper crash

The National Guard member who survived a deadly helicopter crash is recovering from a successful procedure on his spine.

Jacob Pratt of Rensselaer was severely injured in a National Guard helicopter crash on March 8 near the U.S.-Mexico border. Two of his comrades were killed.

Pratt is recovering at a Texas hospital.

The surgery was originally scheduled for last Friday, but was postponed due to a medical emergency at the start, according to the GoFundMe set up for his recovery.

As long as cultures taken during that surgery come back negative, he will be cleared for an additional procedure on his neck within the week.

The family is once again asking prayers and thanking everyone for their well-wishes.