Photo By Staff Sgt. Eve Moore | U.S. Army Col. Kenneth M. Dwyer with the Leader Training Brigade, and one of the key...... read more read more
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.- U.S. Army Colonels Kenneth Dwyer and Patrick Miller shared personal stories of resilience and survival with Soldiers from the 62nd Medical Brigade April 7, 2025 at French Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Both officers, injured in combat, spoke to Soldiers from across the brigade about leading through adversity. Their experiences illustrated how personal hardship shaped their approach to leadership and reinforced the Army’s emphasis on resilience.
Dwyer, a former Green Beret detachment commander, sustained life-threatening injuries in 2006 during Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed, he was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade during an enemy ambush. The attack resulted in the loss of his left eye and left hand.
His recovery began with a personal milestone. During a visit from his 3-year-old son, Timothy, Dwyer found new motivation. The desire to once again play baseball with his son became a symbol of his commitment to healing.
“True resiliency is getting up after your worst day and continuing to move forward,” said Dwyer.
That mindset drove Dwyer to push through physical and emotional setbacks. His decision to remain in the Army, and specifically in Special Forces, reflected that resolve.
“There was no way I was going to stay down,” said Dwyer. “That’s just not who I am.”
His support system played a key role. Dwyer credited his wife and unit for standing by him as he pursued continued service. Their confidence strengthened his recovery and helped shape his leadership philosophy. He emphasized that modeling resilience for his Soldiers became essential in fostering the same mindset in them.
“If I wanted my Soldiers to be resilient and have a no-quit attitude,” said Dwyer. “Then, I needed to display the same.”
Miller shared a different but equally harrowing experience. In 2014, during a mass shooting at Fort Cavazos, Texas, he was shot in the abdomen while shielding fellow Soldiers. The bullet damaged his colon, fractured a rib, and lodged near his spine—missing vital organs by inches.
“The bullet missed my vital organs by inches,” said Miller. “But what mattered more was not missing my chance to continue serving.”
Supported by family, friends, and medical personnel, Miller began the long process of rehabilitation. His recovery highlighted the role of mental toughness in overcoming trauma and maintaining leadership responsibilities under pressure.
“I didn’t know if I’d walk again, but I knew I had to lead again,” said Miller.” That was non-negotiable.”
His story reinforced the Army’s commitment to developing resilient leaders. Like Dwyer, Miller emphasized that support networks and personal determination are essential in navigating the challenges of military service.
The Leader Professional Development seminar hosted by 62nd Medical Brigade aimed to showcase these themes through personal accounts. By sharing their journeys, Dwyer and Miller provided practical examples of resilience in action—an approach the Army continues to promote in its leadership development efforts.
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2025 12:15 |
| Story ID: | 494892 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Army Colonels Share Stories of Resilience at Leadership Seminar, by SSG Eve Moore, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
