“Never give up. Never quit.”

I had the honor and privilege to meet a true american hero last night, Travis Mills.  Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, and incredible will to live, he came to share his story last night at the GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. to a full house. There was not a dry eye in the place, including myself.

On April 10, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.

I urge you to watch the trailer and think of the words, “Never give up. Never quit.”, the inspiring true story of United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne. Travis lost portions of both arms and legs as the result of an I.E.D. on April 10, while on patrol in Afghanistan, making him one of just five quadruple-amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive their injuries. Featuring powerful interviews and emotional reenactments from Travis and Kelsey Mills, and fellow soldiers who witnessed the events of April 10, this film is an intimate look into the life of a wounded solider as he faces the physical and emotional challenges of this life-altering injury.

So the next time you want to complain about what a bad day you are having, think of Travis, say a prayer and carry on about your day. This memorial day take a moment to say thank you to all who served and still serve our great Nation today.  Let us never forget those who have paid the ultimate price, ‘all gave some, some gave all’. “Never give up. Never quit.”