Soldier

What I was really into as a kid, anything that drove my mother crazy or made her nervous, and not much has changed.

I jumped on the grenade that was thrown at myself and my friend. I don't recommend it.

My college experience was like everyone else's. I learned a lot. I gained a new perspective on the world and on people that I'm so thankful and appreciative for.

The hardest part of my entire three-year recovery has been knowing that my parents, my brothers, were suffering through this burden of injury and recovery, something I volunteered for that they didn't ask for.

I've always been energetic, loved life and have always been easily amused by things.

I was labeled 'P-E-A,' which is patient expired on arrival. I guess that's the politically correct way of saying you didn't make it.

The military is a path of the unknown. I wasn't in denial about the risk.

Work hard at what you do, no matter what it is. Go out there and find your passion and make a difference.

I wanted to set the story straight and really let people know what it's like and what me and my Marines went through.

I'm still here and kicking and, you know, I have all my limbs so you'll never hear me complain.

People always assume I was in a motorcycle wreck. My response to them: no, Taliban.

So many of our wounded warriors from today's wars are alive not just because of remarkable advances in technology, but primarily because of the extraordinary dedication and skill of our military and our VA medical professionals.

My body was torn apart by an enemy hand grenade... upon arriving at Camp Bastion, I was labeled P.E.A. - patient expired on arrival. I flat-lined at Walter Reed.

I would take any opportunity to tell service members, 'Thank you.'

Freedom is a powerful and beautiful thing.

Be thankful for what you have. Appreciate the small and simple things.

I wasn't gonna make it. I had come to terms that I was gonna die, and I was very sure of that.

All of this blue on my face is from the gunpowder residue from the grenade. It blasted it into my face and stained the skin.

I love Instagram. I like taking pictures. I've always been into that ever since cellphones had that capability.

Be kind and help others. Let the ones you love know you love them.