Why should we thank Veterans on Veteran’s Day? Travis Mills was an All-American high school athlete in football, baseball, and track. He received a full scholarship to play football at a small college in his home state of Michigan. Travis enlisted in the United States Army while attending college because he felt an obligation to serve a higher calling. On April 10, 2012, while serving his third tour in Afghanistan, Travis and his squad conducted a sweep of a village where they were looking for explosives buried in the ground. After Travis thought the area was all clear, he dropped his backpack on the ground, right on top of an improved explosive device (IED). Travis was critically injured, losing part of both arms and legs. Travis became one of five quadruple amputees to survive the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Although the beginning of Travis’ story is tragic, it does have the happiest possible ending for him, his wife, and his two children. Thanks first, in part, to his amazing strength, mettle, and incredible will to live. Thanks also goes out to the heroic actions of the medics in his unit who were deployed with him. And let’s not forget all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Medical Center near Washington D.C. Because of this incredible determination, Travis is not only on a steady path to recovery, but he is thriving despite his current disabilities. Travis and his wife founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization which benefits post 9/11 Veterans who have been injured as a result of their service. Travis has used his platform to become a motivational speaker, a best-selling author, and an advocate for Veterans. And he continues to overcome life’s challenges by breaking down physical barriers and defying odds.
We should give thanks on Veteran’s Day because many Veterans, just like Travis, are forced to overcome adversity on a daily basis. Yes, when you join the military you are doing so voluntarily. But no one wants to get wounded and no one volunteers to be diagnosed with depression, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, or any of the many other ailments that comes with military service. Some wounds are visible, many are not. These men and women serve our country with honor and pride and when they are discharged they take with them the honorable values the military has instilled in them.
Veterans, like Travis, are a clear example of how we need to live life; without regret, without dwelling on the past, and with the mentality to turn adversity into a gift. When we feel like there is no way to overcome an obstacle or problem, we need to remember Travis. We need to remember his story of hope, inspiration, and overcoming adversity. Veterans live a life of selfless service and that continues well beyond their years in uniform. This is why we should thank Veterans on Veteran’s Day.
Help us honor our Veterans this year:
When: Monday, November 11 – Friday, November 15
What: The War Experience Project: Works of Art Painted on Military Uniforms
Where: Bree Common, 919 Winchester Avenue, New Haven (Adjacent to Aquinas Hall)
Details: Twelve uniform tops have been converted into canvases that combat Veterans have painted to express their feelings and fears of being deployed overseas
When: Wednesday, November 13 from 12 – 1 pm
What: Forever in My Heart Foundation service dogs presentation
Where: Bree Common, 919 Winchester Avenue, New Haven (Adjacent to Aquinas Hall)
Details: Rescue dogs are trained to become service dogs for disabled Veterans at no cost to them