November 11, 2011Veterans Day is a recognized federal holiday that pays tribute to the men and women who have served the country both past and present.In recognition of Veterans Day, The Survivors Club is highlighting three survivors who have served their country.
Joshua Hotaling: Marine and Survivor of IED Explosion
Corporal Joshua Hotaling had re-enlisted for the war in Afghanistan on September 11, 2010 and several months later while out on a routine mission to secure a building, he stepped on a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which changed his life forever.“I was using a metal detector to sweep out an abandoned compound so we could stay there for the night and set up an OP [observation post]. I stepped on a 10-12lb IED,” Joshua said to The Survivors Club.The 24-year-old man lost both legs and damaged his right hand in the accident.Now the survivor is recovering in San Diego supported by his family and Marine comrades.
Jacob Chadwick Receives Support from Military Group in Search for Kidney Transplant
Iraqi veteran Jacob Chadwick was looking for an organ donor after suffering from kidney failure. The husband and father was supported by Operation Gratitude, a organization that provides care packages to American soldiers serving abroad."We got an e-mail today from an 83-year-old World War II vet who wants to donate their kidney and it's so touching," said Victoria Chadwick his wife."The outcome is going to be what it is, whatever the case may be, but just the show of support is incredible. I've never experienced anything like it," Jacob Chadwick added.
Veteran Matthew Pennington Re-Adjusts to Civilian Life By Starring in Film
After suffering devastating injuries during his time serving in Afghanistan, veteran Matthew Pennington was able to successfully transition back to civilian life by starring in a short film about a marine returning from war.A bomb exploded while Pennington was serving in the armed forces and he lost his left foot and underwent major reconstructive surgery on his other leg.Upon his return to civilian life, Pennington was soon cast in a short film called "A Marine's Guide to Fishing," which is about a marine named Connor who returns to his old job after nearly dying while fighting abroad. By starring in the movie, he was able to regain his confidence and drop the mental walls that prevented him from being happy as a civilian.
