Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
After graduating from high school, I entered military service at the age of 18.
I was named as a "distinguished undergraduate" at Army Ranger School.
I was a Green Beret and a member of the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's elite parachuting team.
I suffered a traumatic accident in which my parachuting partner died and I lost both of my legs.
Five months after my accident, I did another jump to prove that I could literally land on my feet.
I decided to reenlist; became the first double amputee to reenlist into the U.S. military.
After my time in the military, I went to college to get my degree and become a commercial pilot.
I'm now most proud of my nonprofit foundation and my thousands of motivational speaking engagements.
Education
High School
Career
Professional Parachute Demonstrator / Pilot
I'm a motivational speaker who likes to help people from all walks of life.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Armed Services
Action Sports
Helping People
Day to Day
If someone were to shadow me for the day, they'd be astounded. It's really hard to keep up with me. I think it's just who I am: an unstoppable guy. When I do my motivational presentations, these corporate crowds are left wondering, "How have you done more than I've done in my lifetime just in the time since your accident?" I do a million things: I'm a pilot, an engineer, I build furniture...I do it all, and I do it for the best. Anyone who shadowed me would walk away saying, "I can do anything."
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Make sure that you graduate—graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment. After that, it's all about meeting, greeting, and forming connections and networks with other people.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You're never going to amount to anything. You're just lucky."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Physical Issues
