On 9/11/01, I was attending Kent State University on a full ride football scholarship. After the World Trade Center fell, I decided to serve my country by giving that all up, and I joined the infantry. At the same time, my college sweetheart joined me by enlisting in the Air Force. I eventually became a sergeant in the army infantry in Iraq, supervising other soldiers. In my third tour in Iraq, my vehicle was struck by an IED. I received burns to my legs and shrapnel from the bomb that pierced my legs, arms, and my skull. Recovery, which is still ongoing today, is a long and difficult process.

Before my injury, I was able to supervise other men, plan patrols, and do my job. I was very competent and capable of planning and executing difficult assignments involving quite a few people. Now, due to my TBI, and the memory problems it causes, I cannot hold a job. I have a nine year old daughter who I love very much, but now, when I take her places, I always want someone with me because I’m afraid that I might forget she’s with me and leave her somewhere.

For the last year, I’ve been a member of Team River Runner (TRR) Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. I strongly encourage vets like me to join Team River Runner too. TRR has given me back the feeling of camaraderie I felt in Iraq. Our chapter takes trips together, we learn to paddle together, we sit around camp fires together, we make friends, and we rely on one another. TRR challenges me physically, and gives me more reasons to stick to my therapy. It gives me something to look forward to and it gives me confidence in myself. Now, I’m a member of my chapter’s leadership team. I really appreciate what Team River Runner has done for me, and I highly recommend it to other vets. I also appreciate what the volunteers in my chapter have done for the our TRR vets here in Greater Cincinnati. TRR has truly helped me with my recovery!