Most people may read the title of this blog and wonder what it has to do with the military. Well it is all about Mr. Salzman and what he has achieved since having his arm blown off by a massive Explosively Formed Penetrator IED. J.R. was one of the first milbloggers I ever started to read when he was in Iraq.
Sgt. J. R. Salzman remembers reaching for his ballistic glasses just as the roadside bomb blew apart his right arm. He remembers being unable to reach the handle of the Humvee’s passenger door and realizing that his arm was instantly shortened. He remembers the look on the face of the medic.
J.R. was wounded while I was in Afghanistan and I remember thinking “wow a pretty famous milblogger just got tore up”. I had no idea of his past and all of his prior accomplishments. I did not know he was essentially a lumberjack and a 6-time logrolling champion. I had knew him as a milblogger in Iraq that wrote interesting and funny stuff.
It wasn’t until I read the stories afterwards that I found out about his logrolling past. I felt bad for him thinking there was no way he would ever enjoy his logrolling passion again. I am so glad that I was wrong. J.R. has fought his way back and is now logrolling again. And not only is he logrolling again, he has in fact won his 7th logrolling championship title. I stand in awe of the way he has fought back and the inspiration he portrays to others. My hat is off to you J.R. and I hope one day I can finally meet you in person. You are an inspire to all soldiers (wounded or not).
Read the whole story below.
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I watched him on a video…..that guy is incredible! What a great attitude! You are right about him being an inspiration!