I joined the New York National Guard right after 9/11. My unit the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment out of New York, deployed in October 2004. My year long tour was just about over when I was injured by an IED blast on July 4, 2005. Our patrol was just outside of the Green Zone in Baghdad when we spotted a suspicious object. I was outside my vehicle with my Captain when the object exploded. My life was saved by the quick responses of my medic and unit.
Since my injury I have received over 40 surgeries to help repair some of the damage. The blast blew out my left side taking with it my brachial artery and almost all of my left bicep and tricep. Thanks again to my medic and his quick work with a tourniquet.
Because of the amount of nerve loss to my upper arm my hand is now considered a secondary injury. I spent three years fighting a never ending battle. I took every opportunity available to me to try and fight the inevitable. Amputation.
Another turning point in my life came when I was told about an organization called Operation Rebound. This program is run by Challenged Athletes Foundation in hopes to give others with permanent disabilities the opportunities to heal through multi sports. Since I've been sponsored by Operation Rebound I have competed in events all over the country including numerous sprint, Olympic and Ironman 70.3 distance triathlons. With your help I am hoping to share with others the opportunity and support that was given to me.
JOIN ME IN GETTING WOUNDED SOLDIERS BACK TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
