Be thankful for what you have. Appreciate the small and simple things.
I want to show people no matter what they go through there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
My college experience was like everyone else's. I learned a lot. I gained a new perspective on the world and on people that I'm so thankful and appreciative for.
I was labeled 'P-E-A,' which is patient expired on arrival. I guess that's the politically correct way of saying you didn't make it.
So many of our wounded warriors from today's wars are alive not just because of remarkable advances in technology, but primarily because of the extraordinary dedication and skill of our military and our VA medical professionals.
The military is a path of the unknown. I wasn't in denial about the risk.
You have to experience and take defeat in any and all aspects of life so you can be better and stronger.
And when things get tough, trust there is a bigger plan and that you will be stronger for it.
There were a lot of hard times, and having to have a team of people help me out of the bed, having to use a bedpan is a really tough thing to swallow. But looking back, I'm proud of my scars and what myself and my Marines went through in Marjah.
I jumped on the grenade that was thrown at myself and my friend. I don't recommend it.
Everyone can relate to struggle.
I want my story to help others see what's extraordinary in themselves.
As far as me being inspirational to other combat-wounded guys, I would say that it's the opposite. To see guys at Walter Reed that I recovered with every day and they were missing every single one of their limbs - that is what I would say is inspiring.
I was injured by an enemy hand grenade in Afghanistan in 2010. I spent three years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center... And through that three years, I was forced to search for the silver linings during the long dark and painful nights and days in the hospital.
If we don't spend our time on this earth looking out for one another, what are we really doing with our lives?
In the Marine Corps there is no individual effort, we're all a big team.
My body was torn apart by an enemy hand grenade... upon arriving at Camp Bastion, I was labeled P.E.A. - patient expired on arrival. I flat-lined at Walter Reed.
I always tell people to appreciate the little things in life... Things like driving on a nice day with the windows down, and the fact that you can get a good education or you have a good job.
I've always been energetic, loved life and have always been easily amused by things.
I'm totally fine knowing that I gave part of myself to a bigger purpose and a bigger cause, to not only serve my country but try to make a better way of life for other people and much less fortunate people.
