Скачать или смотреть Veteran Amputee's Powerful IED Story | "I Lost My Legs But Not My Drive" | Operation Intel

Dennis Leonard, a U.S. Army Veteran from the 72nd Engineers, shares his incredibly powerful story of survival and resilience after an EFP IED explosion in Iraq cost him both of his legs and the life of his friend, Sergeant Wright. This is a raw, honest conversation about the day everything changed, his recovery at Walter Reed & BAMC, and how he found purpose through hunting and helping other veterans.

Tim Wightman hosts this episode of Operation Intel, a podcast dedicated to reducing veteran suicide through conversation and shared experience.

*Chapters:*
00:00 - Introduction & Mission of Operation Intel
00:39 - Dennis Leonard Joins
01:42 - Life Before the Military
02:52 - Why He Joined the Army
04:03 - Basic Training & MOS (62J)
06:02 - Arrival at Fort Riley
07:48 - First Deployment (03-04) in Sunni Triangle
11:42 - Experience on 9/11
13:55 - Getting Deployment Orders
15:10 - The Reality of Combat in Fallujah/Ramadi
19:26 - The IED Attack (Second Deployment)
23:08 - The Day of the IED: Not Supposed to Be There
27:42 - Recounting the Blast & Aftermath
30:48 - The Phone Call Home: "I lost my legs. I'm alive."
32:27 - Learning Sergeant Wright Didn't Make It
34:47 - The Platoon's Anger & Vehicle Recovery
37:05 - Respect for Sgt. Smith
38:31 - Initial Reaction to Losing His Legs
40:42 - Walter Reed & Recovery
44:41 - Reuniting with Family
46:04 - Transfer to Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC)
49:08 - Reconnecting with Tim & The Brotherhood
51:23 - Medical Retirement
53:12 - Transition to Civilian Life
54:38 - Mental Health & Annual "Funk"
55:54 - Healing Through Hunting & Helping Other Vets
59:22 - Non-Profits & Events for Veterans
01:03:35 - Advice for Struggling Veterans: "Talk to Someone"

If you or a veteran you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (Press 1 for Veterans Crisis Line)*
*Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/*

This channel is dedicated to sharing the stories of the 72nd Engineer Company and veterans from all branches to foster connection and prevent suicide.

#Veteran #IED #PTSD #Military #Army #Inspiration #MentalHealth #OperationIntel