Melissa Stockwell
August 14, 2008 – 7:05 am
While Michael Phelps continues to set records in the pool this week, another inspirational U.S. swimmer is waiting in the wings for her turn at Olympic greatness. Melissa Stockwell, 28, is an Iraq War Veteran and above knee amputee. In 2004, just three weeks into her tour of duty in Iraq, Stockwell lost nearly her entire left leg in roadside bomb attack, making her the first U.S. female amputee of the war.
Rather than harbor bitterness for the accident, Melissa has made a point to help other amputees and inspire them to go after their dreams. Since recovering, she has dedicated hours volunteering toward that cause; and in her spare time competed in 8 triathlons and 2 NYC Marathons. In addition, she continues to represent the country she loves; this time by swimming 3 events for the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team in the upcoming Beijing Games. We thank Melissa for serving our country, and applaud her continued heroism in dedicating her life to helping other amputees. You can show your support for Melissa as well by purchasing a T-Shirt, inspired by her story, from TAKE PRIDE (another cool T-Shirt company which we’ll write more about soon)
-JH
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