UNBROKEN SOLIDERS
The compelling stories of our nation’s wounded veterans and their journeys of courage and triumph.
chad colley
A US Army veteran who lost both legs and one arm in Vietnam. In spite of his injuries, he was determined to do whatever it took to live and live well. Colley is now a Para-Olympian skier and works with the DAV's Winter Sports Clinic. His life is a shining example to other veterans that, even when you're required to adapt to overwhelming new realities, life is still worth living.
bobby barrera
A US Marine Corp veteran, wounded six weeks into his Vietnam service. With severe burn wounds covering his body and an amputated arm, Barrera recalls his darkest moment of recovery when he asked his father to shoot him. Now, years later and with the love of his wife carrying him along, Barrera counsels other wounded veterans struggling with suicide.
jason & alexis courneen
Jason Courneen is husband and caregiver to his wife Alexis, a US Coastguard veteran with neurological disabilities from a buoy accident. Jason shares his story of his unique bond of love with Alexis, together since they were 13 years old, and how events like the New England Sport Clinic provide the support community that families like the Courneens rely on every day.
stacy pearsall
Her passion for combat photography led her to document some of the most dangerous and inspiring moments of her unit's deployment in Iraq. When her spine was injured, however, she lost that passion and was left feeling uncertain about her future. Meeting veterans who knew exactly what she had been through reignited her desire to tell stories through photography. Today, Stacy works with the Veterans' Portrait Project, photographing veterans of all ages from all around the country.
naomi mathis
Naomi Mathis joined the military to provide stability for herself and her children. When she was stationed in a combat zone, she found she needed to emotionally disconnect from her family in order to do her job. Upon returning home, Naomi was diagnosed with chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and faced the challenge of reconnecting with her kids in a meaningful way. Her journey to regain a "normal" life inspired her to help make that transition for other veterans as smooth as possible. Naomi's story reminds us that it is often only be going through difficult times ourselves that we can truly understand how to help others.
christy gardner
When Christy Gardner was injured as a military police officer, she was told she would never run again, never be able to live on her own, never play sports. After overcoming extraordinary physical, mental and emotional obstacles, and with the help of a very special dog named Moxie, Christy now lives a full life -- working to finish her college degree and playing hockey for the United States ParaOlympic team. Christy's inspiring story challenges us to push the boundaries of what we're capable of and truly reach our full potential.
