Dave Roever inspires 7th SB service members

Photo By Sgt. Richard Gilbert | Dr. Dave Roever speaks to service members, Nov. 24, in the Camp Adder Chapel at Camp Adder, Iraq.  

TALLIL AIR BASE, IRAQ

12.05.2007

Story by Spc. Richard Gilbert 

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

By Spc. R.J. Gilbert
7th Sustainment Brigade, Public Affairs Office

CAMP ADDER, Iraq - Dr. Dave Roever spoke to service members, Nov. 24, at the Camp Adder Post Chapel here at Camp Adder, Iraq. For many it was the first time hearing Roever's story.

Eight months into his deployment to Vietnam he was patrolling as a gunner on a gun boat when he went to clear the foliage on the bank with a phosphorous grenade. Before he could throw it an enemy round passed through both his hand and the grenade within. The grenade ignited and scorched him covering over 50 percent of his body with 3rd degree burns.

Roever, against all odds, survived and now grows stronger through sharing his tribulations.

"Four months before I was discharged from the hospital I would sneak out every weekend. The first time I snuck out I was considered AWOL. They had MPs (military police) out looking for me, for my protection in case I had brain damage and was out wondering around somewhere. They were out looking for me and I didn't show up until Sunday night and they said, 'what do you think you are doing?' I said, 'a church asked me to speak and to come and share my experiences,'" said Roever.

"When I'd go tell that story and I'd speak of God's goodness and His strength and power in my life, I came back stronger than when I went out. So I have to confess in a little bit of a selfish way I'm not here just for you. I'm here for me too, and it is my distinct pleasure to grow stronger by having been here with you and having shared a few words and thoughts with you," Roever said.

Not only does Roever draw strength from his speaking events, but so do many of his listeners.

"It is amazing that almost 50 percent of what he used to look like was gone after his accident," said Staff Sgt. Alveta W. Jackson, 7th Sustainment Brigade administrative assistant. "For some people that would be a show stopper, but because of his inner strength and faith in God, he uses it to positively impact and uplift people. I was touched, inspired and motivated to do more because of what he is doing," said Jackson.

It seems as though no one is impervious to walking away uplifted by the indomitable spirit and determination that Roever exemplifies.

"I thought his performance was really good," explained Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Qualls, public affairs non-commissioned officer in charge, 1/82 Brigade Combat Team. "They say you can't keep a good man down and he almost lost his life twice and not only did he hang in there through all that adversity, but he continues to maintain a good attitude and he still keeps his faith. He is really an inspiration to all of us.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2007
• Date Posted: 12.05.2007 15:32
• Story ID: 14450
• Location: TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ