Travis Mills is a true American hero!
Not only did he serve three tours in Afghanistan for the United States, while he was there he lost all four of his limbs when a bomb exploded underneath him, making him a quadruple amputee.
Travis instantly though he was dying, and told the medics to let him be. “How I survived, I have no idea,” he said. “I was yelling at the medic, ‘Get away from me,’ because I thought I was done.”
Miraculously, Travis did survive, and the retired United States Army staff sergeant spent the next few months recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. While most would feel that Travis would definitely fall into the “wounded soldier” category, Travis does not. “I’m not wounded any more,” he said. “I’m just a guy living life.”
Travis has never one thought about giving up, and has dedicated the rest of his life to help those men and women who have suffered severe injuries like he has. Travis founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to assist wounded and injured veterans along with their families.
A few weeks ago Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs had the opportunity to meet Travis, who instantly left an impression on him. Mike was more than impressed and took to Facebook to write a lengthy post, honoring Travis on Memorial Day.
“He [Travis] has a motto: Never give up – never quit. He has a Foundation. He’s featured in a new documentary. He also has a wife and a kid, and a deeply personal commitment to help other wounded vets cope with their injuries.” the post read. “But when I asked why I hadn’t seen him in any of the typical commercials and PSA’s for wounded veterans, his answer was stunning. He said he didn’t consider himself to be wounded. ‘I’m not a victim, Mike. And I refuse to be portrayed that way. Case closed.'”
Rowe finished his post by thanking Travis for his service. “That’s called a gut-check, and I could use one from time to time. Especially on Memorial Day, when the biggest decisions I face are what to grill and which type of frosty beverage to enjoy. This year, as I resolve these and other important issues, I’ll think of Travis Mills. A guy who went out on a limb for me, in every way possible. Thanks Travis. And Happy Memorial Day to you all.”
Image via Facebook