Loading ...“An RPG came by my right leg.”
Heath’s childhood dream was to join the military. Nearly as soon as he was eligible, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and quickly rose in rank. He became an Airborne Ranger and then a Squad Leader in the 101st Airborne Division. When Calhoun’s convoy was on patrol in Iraq, they were struck by an enemy grenade. Calhoun, situated in the back corner of the Humvee was sprayed by the shrapnel. “An RPG came by my right leg. The explosion amputated both legs, pretty much completely,” Heath explained with a calm demeanor. Heath sustained the loss of both legs above the knee.
“Less of a man.”
The injury did more than cost Heath his legs. He said, “A lot of pride was gone. I felt like less of a man. I felt like I was never going to be able to do anything ever again.” His wife, Tiffany, shared in the grief. “I am angry sometimes. I ask myself why,” she said. Recovery definitely wasn’t easy. With aluminum assemblies attached to his leg, Heath slowly relearned how to move his legs, balance, walk, and maneuver. It was painful. And it was painstaking. And, at times, it was nearly hopeless. An amputee doesn’t rebuild only his or her motor skills. He or she has to work even harder at rebuilding self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to rise above the injury.
“You have a choice.”
Heath’s recovery was nothing short of phenomenal, but he knew what he wanted to do. “You have a choice in everything. I could have chosen to sit on the couch and watch TV. There’s so much that’s out there to do.” He’s right. And, Heath began doing it, with intensity, passion, and unstoppable enthusiasm.
Heath said, “I chose to live life as normal.” That’s where he’s wrong. Heath lives a life of above-normal excellence. In fact, he chose to do the impossible—hand cycle across America. Over 4,000 miles later he and his team completed the amazing journey on behalf of wounded veterans. That’s not normal. Most would call it impossible. Heath was committed to doing it to support the heroes and fellow soldiers whom he loved.
Heath also chose to quit what others might consider necessary. “The one thing I’ve quit is the wheelchair,” he said with a smile. He made the choice not to take the easy route or live confined to a mobile chair. Now, he’s playing basketball. He’s getting in and out of the car. He’s taking walks with his family.
“It’s a wonderful thing.”
Is life easy? Life will never be easy for a guy with no legs; nor will it be easy for his family. But as his wife Tiffany says, “It’s a wonderful thing.” They have made the choice to rise above the challenges and passionately pursue excellence. He’s already demonstrated his skill as a hand cyclist, runner, as a bicyclist, a swimmer, and even as a golfer. Now, he’s going for the gold in the 2010 Paralympics. “Nothing would make me more proud than to be able to represent the United States at a world class competition and hopefully bring home a gold medal for our country.” Judging by his track record, I’d say he has a pretty good chance at it.
By: Daniel Threlfall
Credit: http://www.zimbio.com/
