They don't come any tougher than this man!
The Best Revenge
By Tom Kovach
Kovach is an Air Force veteran and freelance writer.
sftt.org
On Dec. 16, 2001, while on a dangerous assignment in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a young Marine named Christopher Chandler stepped on a land mine and lost the lower portion of his left leg. He was on a detail with an explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) unit. In civilian lingo, EOD guys are the “bomb squad”.
Almost exactly two years later, on the 10th of this month, now-Sergeant Chandler got his revenge – by “living well,” as the saying goes.
Chandler’s version of living well, however, also happened to make history. You see, Chris got his revenge by becoming the first military member in American history to be awarded Airborne wings while wearing a prosthetic limb.
Jumping out of the C-130 at Fort Benning was the end of a lengthy battle – against his injury, and against a Physical Evaluation Review Board. He was rated by the PERB as fit to return to full duty “with no limitations.” Although that is quite a feat for anyone that has lost a limb – even if one’s duty is a sit-down job in a civilian office – it is a daunting task for a Marine. It means that, among other things, Chandler has demonstrated his ability to run at least three miles within strict time limits, and perform other strenuous physical challenges. Airborne School is full of physical challenges.
The popular television show, “JAG,” has a character, Navy Lt. Bud Roberts, who also lost a lower leg in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan and returned to active duty. But, Roberts is fictional, he is a lawyer, and the show has mentioned that he has duty restrictions.
Chandler is real, he is a Marine, his duty in the Corps is hazardous, and he has no restrictions. The TV show does give a small glimpse, however, into the challenges of a life such as Chandler’s. Those challenges are faced with gusto, as described by fellow graduates at Fort Benning. They described his attitude as an inspiration.
In a Marine Corps public affairs interview, Chandler explained the examination given to him by the staff before being allowed to enter Airborne training. “They wanted to know if I was even capable of completing the tasks they had for me. I figured I had an advantage. After all, I have one less ankle to break.”
Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Mayer, from U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) at Fort Bragg, N.C., said, “He's an inspiration because you have all these perfectly healthy people who wash out and quit while he stays in and makes it. That’s a real testament to his character.”
“I was in Kandahar with him when he had his accident, and this is the first time I’ve seen him since then,” said Sgt. Ryan Scheucher, platoon sergeant, 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “If you'd known him before the accident, what he’s doing right now would come as no surprise. Both in uniform and out, he’s always just been one of those guys who just shuts up and gets the job done. If anything, since his accident I see a little more fire in his eyes.”
Many people have been retained on active duty with prosthetics (I met one when I was in the orthopedic ward at Walter Reed). Some people even continue to jump with prosthetics. But Chandler is the first person to go into the school with an artificial leg and complete the rigorous training. “I think any obstacle in life can be overcome if you believe in yourself,” Chandler explained. “I hope this will make it easier for other people with prosthetics who want to go through [jump school] next time. As long as they won't be extra baggage, and they can pull their own weight and accomplish the mission. Hopefully, they won’t have to put up with as much as I had to.”
This quote from Chandler gave rise to the title of this article. “I don't have to say anything to people who said I couldn’t make it. I just graduated.” There is a parallel Chinese proverb that says, “The man who says that a task is impossible should get out of the way of the man doing it.”
And now, the Marines have one more EOD technician ready to jump in anywhere and dismantle terrorists ... and their bombs. That would be a continuation of Chandler’s version of “the best revenge.” |
