Photo By Charles Steitz | Bryan Anderson, a triple amputee and a Purple Heart recipient gave a presentation to...... read more read more
TORII STATION, Okinawa, Japan – Perseverance, tenacity, dedication and resiliency.
Those of us in the military understand the meaning of these simple words and strive each day to improve the lives of others as we conduct our mission. Bryan Anderson, a Gary Sinise Foundation Ambassador shared his story of overcoming difficult odds with soldiers, airmen and Meio University students on a recent trip to Okinawa.
In October 2005, Anderson was injured when an improvised explosive device went off.
Anderson lost both of his legs and his left hand and was awarded the Purple Heart.
As of today, he remains one of the very few to survive this type of injury that he sustained during his second deployment to Iraq.
Anderson has received extensive media coverage due to incredible disposition and his inspirational words to always look forward and be resilient. He came to Okinawa to share his story with our service members and their families and participate in the festivities celebrating the Army’s 238th Birthday. During the Army Ball, June 14, Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer, acting commander at the time for United States Army Japan spoke about how soldiers assigned to Okinawa and Anderson truly are America’s Army, they serve proudly, they serve well and are the strength for our future. While Anderson no longer serves in the military his outlook on life and resiliency got him the only standing ovation during the event.
Bryan Anderson also takes the word ambassador to heart, during his visit he took the time to meet with students from the Meio University in Nago City. The visit was sponsored by the American Consulate. More than 70 students attended his 90-minute presentation in which he spoke about his injuries, how he overcame his disabilities and how he is helping others learn how to cope.
After explaining the situation that resulted in the loss of three limbs, Anderson discussed how this experience changed his life.
“Even though I don’t have any legs, I am not going to say I will never climb a tree, until I try. So then I have tried to figure out what I can and cannot do. Now I can skateboard, snowboard, whitewater raft and have successfully taken off and landed a plane 13 times by myself. I think a lot of people underestimate the power of having fun and trying new things.”
Questions from the students focused on Anderson’s unique outlook on life and how Anderson’s enthusiasm to take on new challenges remains inspirational to others and is contagious. Many of the students stayed after class to meet with him.
Members from The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club volunteered their time to escort Anderson and his manager, Dick McLane around during their visit. “It was a great honor to drive Mr. Bryan Anderson around. I thought it was going to be another driving detail. However, it turned into a good event to meet a great person that showed the real definition of resiliency. He is a very resilient person. I also got the opportunity to experience different aspects of the Air Force as well as other service on island,” said Sgt. Jesse Campos, operations noncommissioned officer, 10th Regional Support Group.
Driving to the airport Anderson spoke about his experience on Okinawa. “The visit was absolutely incredible,” said Anderson.
The service members, the people were fantastic and I love learning about other cultures. It just seems the Japanese have so much respect for others. I was really impressed with that. It was such an honor to be able to speak and meet with soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines. They all treated me like a rock star and I felt very good. I also got to do a lot of cool things during my visit like visiting the flight line, giving a presentation at the NCO Academy and the Keystone Theater on Kadena and visiting police station. I really appreciate everything everyone has done for us making this trip very special and I will always cherish this time.”
“I especially wish to thank the incredible support from all the services on island. Their commitment to Bryan was amazing and I am humbled by their commitment and sacrifice to our country. We will plan to return soon,” said Dick McLane, manager for Bryan Anderson.
Film actor, Gary Sinise described Anderson’s courage and commitment to helping others. “He had begun to accept what had happened to him and was looking toward the future-a future of he could do, not what he couldn’t do. That positive attitude of living each moment of one’s life for everything it’s worth is at the core of who Bryan Anderson is.”
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2013 21:39 |
| Story ID: | 109815 |
| Location: | TORII STATION, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 245 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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