There are more important things in life than football.
To some people in the New York/New Jersey area that may seem impossible at the moment. Super Bowl Boulevard is up and running, football fans everywhere have flooded the area to take in the sights and sounds the NFL has to offer, and then there is the game Sunday at MetLife stadium. But that is all it is, a game. Two teams fighting over an oblong ball on a field that simulates grass.
The Super Bowl is a big deal. Football brings so much joy and excitement to so many people. Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Champ Bailey, the list goes on and on of these talented and exciting athletes that we call heroes. No offense to NFL players, but Travis Mills a real hero.
Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne division is an individual who displays unparalleled determination, relentless dedication and an unbreakable spirit. Sergeant Mills is a quadruple amputee. He is one of only 5 quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.
for the first time last night
On April 10, 2012 Sergeant Mills was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. A man that stood well over six feet tall and looked like an NFL linebacker was now handicapped, or at least that is what people keep trying to tell him.
After he was wounded, the first thing Sergeant Mills said from his hospital bed was “Are my guys ok?” Mills took the worst of the blast but two of his fellow soldiers were also injured. A man lying in a bed, no longer able to stand or reach out with his arms, unable to move, was more worried about his men than himself.
There are more important things in life than football.
Travis A Soldier’s Story is a documentary describing Travis’s story, from strong and powerful soldier, to becoming a quadruple amputee, to today where he has become a symbol of the ultimate hero. “Never give up. Never quit.”
The film depicts the hardship that Travis and his family went through to reach where they are today. Travis was in NYC Wednesday night along with his fellow quadruple amputees and wounded warriors, to share his story.
Travis walks, can shake your hand and his positivity and smile are contagious to everyone he meets. All this is possible through the advances in prosthetic limp research and development.
Through an organization called “All 32 in 17” founded by Craig Steichen and his son Matt, wounded warriors like Travis are given an amazing opportunity to enjoy an incredible experience. Craig and Matt are on a mission to honor, empower and inspire veterans and wounded warriors by giving them unique, once in a lifetime experiences at all 32 NFL stadiums in one season.
“All 32 in 17” reached out to ESPN and their NFL Countdown crew. ESPN’s Chris Berman is continually amazed at the energy and no quit attitude of Travis and veterans like him. “He is more upbeat than you and I will ever be. We think we have had a bad day? We haven’t. What they have done is completely off the charts.”
There are more important things in life than football.
Director of “Smart Home” technology for the Tunnels to Towers foundation, John Ponte, helps build homes that are designed to make the wounded warriors lives easier with technology and easier accessibility. “Once you get to meet this guys are visit with them, realize how much work simple task like turning off a light switch can be for them.” Ponte puts in sensor to help turn on and off lights as well as cabinets that can come down to an accessible level. All things that make a quadruple amputees life easier.
In September 2013, Travis founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans. Travis and the foundation are actively involved with several veterans’ organizations including, Veterans Family Camp in Kennebec, Maine.
Travis also founded the Travis Mills Group, LLC where he consults with and speaks to companies and organizations nationwide inspiring all to overcome life’s challenges and adversity.
Seeing Travis and watching his story unfold on the movie screen is an experience that all should attend. He is a true American Hero. A man who never accepted his circumstances and today continues to make strides to provide for his wife and family. Go see Travis a Soldier’s Story, go see a real hero.
For more information about Travis and All 32 in 17 visit:
http://operationwarriorwishes.org/
http://www.travismills.org/
