Recovery has its highs and lows, but athlete and former National Guardsman J.R. Salzman is back in school and trying to adjust to "regular" life. In a local newspaper article, he talks about what happened the day he got wounded, his plans for the future, and why he has no regrets:
To cope with his injuries, Salzman, who was medically discharged earlier this month and is considered 90 percent disabled, said he breaks it down and accepts it.
"Stuff happens," he said. "I don't regret going into the military and getting deployed. I am really proud of what I've done. I'd do it all over again."
Combat soldiers understand that injuries happen, Salzman said.
He is emphatic the U.S. needed to take responsibility in Iraq and fight insurgents.
"I would rather fight over there than on our own soil," he said, noting the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks proved insurgents will fight Americans anywhere.
It's a great (mostly-unbiased) look at yet another wounded soldier who is an example of patriotism, determination and sheer grit to us all.
And this is a good time to point out that it isn't just J.R. himself who has been through a long recovery process and continues to fight his way back to "normalcy." At twenty years old, his devoted bride Josie has faced her own trial at his side.
[For background on J.R, one of Valour-IT's 1200+ laptop recipients, see Blackfive, or go here and do a search for "Salzman."]
[cross-posted at the Castle]
