Moving On

As my last post about the Wounded Warriors (this time around, anyway), I want to write about the future. Most of these men and women will be getting out of the marines as they adjust to their varying disabilities. The Wounded Warrior program offers multitudes of classes for these survivors to help them deal with the transition to 'normal' life. Some will get jobs, some will be retired due to their disabilities, and some will thrive.

Introducing Paul de Gelder. He is an Australian Navy Clearance Diver (like our SEALs) who was attacked by a shark on a training exercise. The shark got his right hand and most of his right leg. This story was crazy enough, but then I learned that he STILL DIVES WITH THE NAVY! I wouldn't get back in the ocean. Let's be honest, I wouldn't get back in the pool after that.

Anyway, Paul is a little crazy, which is probably why I like him. He is also driven. He has a book coming out about his life, which was interesting waaaay before the shark attack. He has since modeled bathing suits and underwear (with missing limbs), helped in cleaning up debris in the ocean (by diving), become a motivational speaker at schools and communities, and is an advocate for SHARKS.

Many of the Wounded Warriors will continue on to bigger and better things. I wish them all the best and hope they reach their dreams.

Paul's story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiHGPH2gC6A&feature=related

Paul's website with book info:
http://pauldegelder.com/

WARNING - this video has extremely graphic photos of the injuries. It is worth watching if you don't faint.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzbXrD1Z_8I&feature=related

A Little Sketchy

Anyone who has been around the Marine Wounded Warriors for any length of time knows Chuck Sketch. He is literally the poster child for the Marine Corps Trials. At opportune moments, someone yells, "Hey, Chuck, give us one!" and Chuck lets out a very loud bark for all to appreciate.

He was not injured in combat, but was ravished by cancer. While on leave, doctors found a large brain tumor that was growing rapidly. He first lost his eyesight to the creeping disease and then both legs to blood clots. Now in remission, Chuck is rascally as ever.

Chuck participated in cycling (with a partner) and shooting (guided by beeps that told him if he was on target).

He was also one of our swimmers and had to touch the lane line every time his right arm entered the water in order to swim straight. How did he know where the wall was? He counted his strokes.

His Dad was his attendant and dutifully rolled him up to his lane before his events. Chuck would slide out of his wheelchair and scoot over to the edge of the pool and plop in. Ready to race. Ready to overcome.

Chuck was one of the 50 Marines selected to participate in the Wounded Warrior games in May. I hope he 'gives them one!'