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Bio – Ben Seekell is an active-duty Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and recipient of the Purple Heart, which is the oldest Military Decoration and given to those who are wounded or killed while fighting the nation’s wars. The Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.
Background - Per the book Courage Under Fire: True Stories of Bravery from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines - On May 8, 2011, Chief Seekell and his military working dog, Charlie, joined a security mission. As they returned to Bagram Airfield, they stepped on a landmine. The ground exploded, sending Chief Seekell and Charlie sailing through the air. Not aware that his leg was almost completely torn off, Chief Seekell tried calling out to members of his team. He was especially worried about his canine partner. Charlie suffered several shrapnel wounds and cowered in terror from the noise.
Chief Seekell faced a long, painful recovery. He had five surgeries, which included the amputation of his foot. He also struggled through about five hours of intense physical therapy every day. But Chief Seekell was determined to work with Charlie again. Only eight months after losing his foot, he passed the Air Force fitness test. Chief Seekell once again returned to active duty with Charlie at his side.
Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=Zp0MBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=ben+seekell&source=bl&ots=UolPWYYBRH&sig=ACfU3U0sCugDviqKTQtRwiWjOblcFJFupg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHjYu3udb9AhU1ITQIHd4UDxU4ChDoAXoECAMQAw#v=onepage&q=ben%20seekell&f=false
Show Notes:
Intro
Balancing an upcoming move still doing speaking engagements, the Norwegian Ruck Marchand earning the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge
Discussing Life before the military and where he was during 9/11
The fateful day of May 8, 2011 and recalling the entire day prior to the mission
How the instance on that day changed his view of the word perspective
While going through all the surgeries, a childhood memory that helped him persevere during this time
What society can do to help heal emotional, mental and other forms of invisible wounds
Words of wisdom to share with other people that lost limbs and his advice to their families
Unexpected sources of help that kept him going
Starting life after May 8, 2011
Something Ben surprisingly learned about himself since 2011 that has improved his life
A new belief and behavior that has helped his life most
For anyone feeling down about themselves, what he does to convey to people to live in the moment and keep going
FUNNIEST THING Ben has told a child when asked about his leg
The historical figure he identifies with
Billboard message
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