Let's be clear here, when I was first invited to come to
Las Vegas for the Salute our Troops event at
The Palazzo I was TERRIFIED, excited too, but mostly terrified. Airfare from
Southwest Airlines, an amazing hotel, LAS VEGAS, its alot, but the part the scared me most was being able to tell the story in a way that brings honor to the men and women in attendance. I am just
me, I have not done a lot of official coverage of events, or officially interviewed anyone, I have a ton of stuff going on at home with my husband, I prior to this didn't have a lot of background knowledge on
The Armed Forces Foundation, AND it's my first time in Vegas. Overwhelming right? But, as I have come to find I think that gives me an advantage. There is no lack of story here, these men and women are PHENOMENAL human beings, and as humble as they come. I can't lie to you and tell you this has been a hard job, but what I can say is this; being here among these Wounded Warriors, and their guests has really encouraged me to take a step back again and reflect on what TRULY matters, and using the hand you have been dealt, both literally and figuratively, to it's fullest capability. Wednesday after the welcome ceremony died down, I needed to gather my thoughts and figure out how I was going to approach this assignment. What better way to do that than spending some time in a private pool on
The Palazzo's pool deck, sounds like a dream right?
Before I even sat down I was drawn to a young man relaxing on the steps of the pool, my guess was he wasn't older than 25, a cold drink in one hand, a cigar in the other, not a single care in the world. The more we talked the more intrigued I became by him. Now spokesperson for
Building Homes For Heroes he and I had an instant connection, a heart for helping our nation's Heroes. Upon completion of his drink, he politely excused himself and took a swim all the way across the pool where he climbed another set of stairs, and maneuvered his way to the edge. He stood there for a minute, although he didn't seem hesitant, it seemed like more of a moment of reflection than anything else. That moment, that split second in time seemed like an eternity to me, when he pulled him self up the steps and made his way on to the pool deck I couldn't help but shed a few tears, it was in that moment that I realized that this young man was a DOUBLE leg amputee. That was a lot to take in for me, not that I thought he would but he didn't mention it in our prior conversation, and to be completely honest, I didn't really look either, his eyes, and his smile told me everything I needed to know, everything else, well It didn't really matter. Side note minor detail; the pool deck which was so hot as Bruce Simon the CEO of
Omaha Steaks told us last night, that we could have grilled the amazing meal they provided us all right there on the pool deck, and you know what that DID NOT phase Army Corporal Christopher Levi.
This last picture was CPL Levi telling me that THIS moment, the very moment I just had the absolute and total honor of witnessing was his VERY FIRST time swimming in a pool with no legs. I guess there really IS a first time for everything, CPL Levi will have tons more firsts in his life, and so will I, but in the grand scheme of things my firsts are trivial in comparison.
To read CPL Christopher Levi's bio and find out how you can get involved with Building Homes for Heroes
CLICK HERE.
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2 comments:
Great story! Now as a GRATEFUL NATION let's get behind and support our wounded warriors trying to make a living and raise a family. I'm commenting on behalf of Wounded Warrior Veterans who have ventured into self employment and started their own businesses due to the high unemployment rate among veterans. The Wounded Warrior Directory is a nation wide directory of almost 6000 Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses where the veteran owner has a disability that occurred in the service to their country. Businesses looking for subcontractors, teaming partners for Government business and anyone interested in helping in this deserving cause please help to promote the businesses of the Wounded Warrior Veterans Directory at VeteransDirectory.com. OOH-RAH! Semper Fi! Thank you for your support!
Fantastic post, Kristle! It was so nice to meet you in Vegas! My heart so deeply goes out to you and your family. I know that everyday is a struggle and I applaud you for your ability to share your story and get your message out to so many! You WILL change the world!
-Kati from SWA
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