Bravery, sacrifice, service. We’re so inspired by our veterans. We’ve seen and heard incredible stories of veterans who have weathered the storms through sacrifice, saved fellow soldiers in battle and paid it forward long after they’ve returned from military service.
If you’re like us and you enjoy mindlessly searching for YouTube videos in which soldiers return home to their uncontrollably happy dogs, look no further. We have 8 stories that are sure to inspire you - and maybe even leave you shedding a tear.
Jesse Cottle
In July 2009, Jesse was in his 6th year of service in the Corps. One day, he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan that resulted in a terrible blast. Luckily, he survived but not without wounds. Jesse had both his legs amputated. Jesse received a Bronze Star with a Combat V for Valor.
Tammy Duckworth
National Guard Captain, Tammy Duckworth was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed in 2004. Duckworth was one of the first women to fly combat missions in Iraq as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. In 2004, her helicopter was hit by an RPG. She lost both her legs and part of her right arm in the explosion. She was awarded the Purple Heart for her combat injuries. She has been an advocate for fellow injured soldiers, was asked to run for the House of Representatives and even served as the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the Obama administration.
Ulysses S. Grant
A hero turned president, Ulysses S. Grant was an American soldier and politician. He led the Union Army as Commanding General of the United States Army and eventually went on to win the American Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln
We have to include another iconic president on our list of veterans who inspire us. Lincoln led the nation through its greatest moral, constitutional and political crisis – the American Civil War.
Eli Williamson
During Eli’s military career he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was an airborne paratrooper and graduated from the Defense Language Institute. He is the Cofounder and Executive Director of Leave No Veteran Behind. The nonprofit works to relieve the educational debt of veterans who are serving and have served in the U.S. military.
Mark Radcliffe and Joe Glass
Mark Radcliffe and Joe Glass were the last surviving members of the First Special Service Force, a legendary commando unit made up of American and Canadian soldiers that captured 27,000 enemy prisoners during World War II. They were both selected to be part of the Plough Project in 1942 which many described as a suicide mission.
J.R. Martinez
J.R. Martinez enlisted in the army in 2002. He completed Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He gained skills as Infantryman. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division in 2003. He was deployed to Iraq and served as a Humvee driver. Less than a month into his deployment his front tire hit a land-mine, ejecting the other soldiers, while leaving him trapped inside. He underwent 33 different surgeries. He has since become an actor and motivational speaker traveling the world and inspiring thousands of people.
James Hatch
James Hatch is an ex-Navy Seal who was wounded badly in combat in Afghanistan. He also lost four dogs in combat that were near and dear to his heart. He has since launched a fund to help care for war dogs when they come home.
Sometimes it’s worth it to slow down and hear someone else’s story. These Veterans inspire us for many reasons. We are grateful for their service.
