Travis: A Soldier's Story

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An Interview with MSG Cedric King

August 13, 2014

 

Today we’re featuring MSG Cedric King, who also exemplifies Travis’s motto, “Never Give Up, Never Quit.”  When asked to tell us about his injuries, Cedric said, “Travis and I, we’re the same person, just with different injuries.  Our stories intertwine and parallel.”

The Backstory and Defining Moment  Travis and Cedric were in Afghanistan the same summer of 2012, where Cedric was a Platoon Sergeant at the time.  He was just two or three towns over from Travis, but they had not met yet.  They were both occupying similar sectors in a very bad part of Afghanistan.  As usual, Cedric received the coordinates of where to go, just like every day, setting out 10-15 minutes later and getting fired upon, which was nothing new.  The only thing different on that particular day was that this was a new sector.  On July 25, Cedric’s team happened to be covering for another platoon.  They were bringing a group of guys to cover when Cedric’s right food stepped on an IED.  He didn’t know what had happened.  In fact, he thought at first that he had just been blown back by the blast.  The men around him were hurt too, but Cedric received the majority of the injuries, although at the time, he didn’t realize it.  He said, “I was really upset that I didn’t get a chance to finish getting the guys who were shooting at us,” but he said that wore off soon and started gasping for air.  He looked at his body and quickly realized that it was mangled.  Soon, the helicopter arrived to take Cedric and the other injured men to the closest base, Kandahar.  Cedric said that once at the army base, he had no recollection of anything until he woke up a week later on August 1 at Walter Reed, two years ago this month.
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How was your experience at Walter Reed?  Cedric said, “Everything at Walter Reed is done in such a way that you don’t want for anything.  It’s a great thing, if you put it in perspective.  Everybody there is just catering to you, which is great.  But if you’re not careful, if you don’t have your own trajectory already plotted out,  you’ll end up falling prey to your own selfish thinking.  You’ll begin to follow the past of least resistance.  Everything is there to make sure you’re not lifting a finger.  But always push the limit.”

What motivated you to get where you are today?  
“Family and faith are the only things that get me through right now.  These two elements helped me when I didn’t want to get up.  Faith helps me believe in a brighter future.  Faith keeps me going—this didn’t happen for nothing.  I believe in a higher power who loves me enough to say, ‘I’m not doing this to hurt you, I’m doing this to help you.'”  His family, which includes his wife and children, is there for him constantly.  Cedric says, “There are people around me who love me, not because I had legs, not because I was strong, not because I could pick up my kids.  They love me for the part of me that you can’t see.  They love me for what’s on the inside.  That’s the part of you they can’t smell, they can’t see.”
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What inspires you?  My entire quest is to live life the way that I did before or better, as if this didn’t happen.
“Right now, I’m cleaning out my garage.  I’ve got every excuse to say ‘Its too much,’ but I won’t.  I swim like I did before, just a bit slower.  I swam across Lake Gaston on Saturday.  I do five to six mile runs, Iron Man Competitions, whatever, as if nothing had happened.  I take my daughters to the park.  To me, it’s not awe-inspiring like it is to everyone else.  To me, it’s a frame of mind that separates me between now and who I used to be.  The injury is big in other people’s eyes.  To me, it’s not that big of a deal (any more). It’s a shift in consciousness.  The reason why this happened was to make me better…to make me stronger…to expose my best part in me.  By not complaining, it makes it better.”
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Cedric’s Next Goals  Next year, Cedric will retire and leave Walter Reed.  He is in the process of writing a book and is working to seek funding for it.  Cedric has started a foundation and is in the process of getting 501(c)3 approval.  He’s making plans to fundraise by running from Walter Reed to Charlotte, North Carolina.  This 400 mile journey will take about two months, with Cedric running five to seven miles a day, with an RV following him along the way.

The King family is also looking for ways to fund a home that is adapted to his new needs.  On top of all this, Cedric is finishing up his bachelors degree in business management, and is making plans to apply for an MBA program after graduation.
Make an impact today!
Cedric speaks to a wide range of audiences about his story.  He wants to share his experience in hopes that it will inspire others to take their next leap of faith.  
To book Cedric King, email cedric.king@gmail.com 
Visit www.kingsnewlegs.com for more information.

Follow Cedric on Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cedricking10
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cedric.king.336

 

Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: Cedric King, Fotolanthropy, Inspiring true story, Travis The Movie, Travis: A Soldier's Story

Tuesday Feature: Veterans Airlift Command

August 5, 2014

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Today we’re honoring the Veteran’s Airlift Command, a nonprofit that coordinates volunteer pilots and their airplanes to transport Wounded Warriors and those closest to them free of charge.

We are incredibly grateful to the VAC for their willingness to assist Travis and the Mills family.  It is specifically because of the VAC that we were able to have the soldiers who saved Travis’s life in the documentary.  Because it is so powerful to hear their stories personally, we are indebted to the VAC for their ability to help us.

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The Organization’s Purpose: The VAC provides free air transportation to post 9/11 combat wounded and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Passenger Information: Due to Aircraft and Pilot availability, they are currently serving primarily wounded warriors / veterans from OEF/OIF.  As stated on their website, they are “Long on compassion….Short on red tape.”  Passenger Information can be found here.  

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Pilot Information: Many of the plane owners who volunteer with us are also pilots who welcome the opportunity to perform a valuable service while maintaining their proficiency. Some owners come from military backgrounds themselves; others are seasoned aviators or simply passionate about flying. But they all have one thing in common – the desire to serve those who have served us.  Apply to serve as a VAC Pilot here.  

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Make an impact today!

Donate to the Veterans Airlift Command.

For any questions, contact VAC via email at info@veteransairlift.org

Follow the VAC on Facebook.

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Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: Inspiring true story, Travis: A Soldier's Story, Veterans Airlift Command, Wounded Warrior

Tuesday Feature: An Inspiring Interview with SFC Marc Owens

July 29, 2014

Travis’s motto is “Never Give Up.  Never Quit,” and today we are highlighting another military hero who has also lived with tenacity and a determined spirit in the face of adversity.

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Marc’s Background  SFC (E-7) Marc A. Owens, originally from Albion, Michigan, joined the Military right out of High School in 1985. After an eight year break, he went back in 1997 to complete his service.  Marc trained with The United States Army Parachute Team from 2002-2009, nicknamed “The Golden Knights,”  which is the U.S. Army’s official aerial demonstration team.  The Team travels around the United States, performing parachute demonstrations at air shows, major league football and baseball games, and special events, connecting the Army with the American people.  (Golden Knight Source)

The Defining Moment  On September 27, 2012 Marc had a horrific skydiving accident, during an All Veteran’s Group parachute jump, where he was the free-fall photographer for the team.  He lost a portion of both legs, had an open book pelvis fracture, a ruptured aorta, severe TBI and many other internal injuries. Marc spent nearly 19 months in a hospital environment with most of his 16-month recovery time at Walter Reed Hospital.

Special thank you to Marc for allowing us to interview him about his life-changing experience and what’s next for him.  Below is the interview:

How was your experience at Walter Reed?  My experience at Walter Reed was a favorable one.   The doctors, nurses and staff did an outstanding job with putting me back together and getting me back on my feet.  I owe them the deepest amount of gratitude.  It reinforced in my mind that the military has some of the most amazing medical staff in the world.  Thank you so much!”

What was your motivation each day?  Plain and simple, my motivation was to walk again- -period!” Marc said, “I knew that it was going to be a difficult task and at times one of the hardest thing I was ever going to achieve.  I tried to outdo myself each and day, and as each month went by…I was winning this battle.  An old military saying…You win the war by winning the small battles first.

 What’s Next?  Marc is currently awaiting his retirement date, September 25, 2014, to exit the Military with 25 years of service. Marc says, “With my retirement date just a few months away, I will probably take some time off and enjoy this transition period.”  He will also be returning to school to finish his degree in Health Care Administration, with admiration to work and assist Veterans.

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What are some words of encouragement you have for those facing adversity?  My advice would be…to. Life is what you make it!  So go out and make Life Happen!

What has this experience taught you about overcoming obstacles?  This experience has taught me that life is worth living.  You have to be willing to overcome anything that is placed in front of you and face it head on.   You gain strength, courage, and confidence from every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.  You can’t change it, so the soon you accept the fact the quicker you can move on with your life.

Despite his life-changing injuries, Marc has not stopped living life to the fullest.  Thank you, Marc, for your service and for your inspiration!

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Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: Inspiring true story, Travis Mills

Thank you, Chicago!

July 23, 2014

The Travis the Movie film team flew straight from San Diego to Chicago for the next Red Carpet screening of Travis: A Soldier’s Story, and were greeted by a water cannon salute from American Airlines!  Special thank you to the Chicago Fire Department and American Airlines for the warm welcome.

The Chicago event, hosted by Operation Warrior Wishes, involved so many people and organizations from around the city, and we are so grateful and honored for the efforts made on Travis’s behalf.  Thank you to emcee Ramblin’ Ray Stevens of US 99.5, Miss Illinois, Marisa Buchheit, for singing the National Anthem, and the father and son team, Craig and Matt Steichen of Operation Warrior Wishes.  The film team also had the opportunity to meet the parents of one of Travis’s Occupational Therapists from Walter Reed Hospital at this screening, and it is always a pleasure to make those connections.  Thank you, Chicago, for a wonderful film screening event!

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Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: Chicago, Documentary, Travis Mills, Travis The Movie, Travis: A Soldier's Story, Wounded Warrior

The Gary Sinise Foundation Sells Out Three Screens for Travis the Movie

July 15, 2014

     The screening in San Diego was a remarkable and memorable experience from start to finish, thanks to the hard work of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
     The trip began with a stop at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, where Kelsey threw out the ceremonial first pitch!  After the game, the Lt. Dan Band performed a concert to honor veterans.  On Monday, the team went to the Marine Base in Miramar to see the Lt. Dan Band perform again, where Gary Sinise brought Chloe up on stage!
     The red carpet film screening was held in Coronado at the Village Theatre on Tuesday night, and the team of doctors who saved Travis’s life in Kandahar were also there.  It was an incredibly special and emotional experience for Travis and the Mills family to meet them.
     The screening was sold out on three screens, and the support was overwhelming, and the audience gave Travis a warm standing ovation.  The overflow rooms were invited in to the Q & A session with Travis and the team of doctors.
     We are so appreciative to the Gary Sinise Foundation for their attention to detail, including sponsoring the flights and hotels, special touches and the incredible time spent in San Diego, culminating at the red carpet event.
     Having Gary Sinise host this screening was a huge milestone for the Travis the Movie team, and we have the utmost respect for this humanitarian, dedicated to honoring and serving our defenders.
    Learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation
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Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: Gary Sinise, Travis Mills, Travis The Movie, Travis: A Soldier's Story

Tuesday Feature: Operation Warrior Wishes

July 8, 2014

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Today we’re highlighting Operation Warrior Wishes, host of our Chicago Screening this Thursday!

The Organization’s Purpose: Operation Warrior Wishes works to honor, empower and inspire veterans and wounded warriors by giving them unique, once in a lifetime experiences by bringing veterans to all 32 NFL stadiums in one season.

In 2014, the founders of Warrior Wishes, father & son duo, Craig and Matt Steichen, are on a mission to raise over $1 million to give back to various veterans organizations.  This will allow them to help build homes for the severely wounded, provide education to help veterans get jobs, and much more.

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In the Veteran’s Day promo video, Matt Steichen is interviewed after seeing Travis: A Soldier’s Story for the first time.  He said, “It’s incredible…this film is fantastic.  It needs to be in every single theater across the country.  I don’t think there was one dry eye in the room. ”  We are so appreciative of the support that Operation Warrior Wishes continues to give Travis: A Soldier’s Story.

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Join us this Thursday in Chicago for a benefit & screening of Travis: A Soldier’s Story, hosted by Operation Warrior Wishes!  [Tickets & more information here.]

Make an impact today!  Donate to Operation Warrior Wishes.

Follow Operation Warrior Wishes on social media:

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Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog

Travis Fotostrap Giveaway

July 2, 2014

travis_fotostrap_giveawayToday we’re launching a giveaway!  The winner will receive a signed Travis Fotostrap, along with an SSG Travis Mills t-shirt and wristband!

Wondering how all these brands are connected?  Here’s a quick summary:  Fotostrap is the camera strap that gives back.  With every purchase, Fotostrap gives back 10% to Fotolanthropy.  Fotolanthropy tells inspiring true stories through photography & film and is the nonprofit that produced Travis: A Soldier’s Story.  To continue to further his passion of inspiring others, Travis founded the Travis Mills Foundation, and the t-shirt and wrist band support that cause.

There are multiple ways & opportunities to enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.   Winner will be announced Wednesday, July 9.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog

Tuesday Feature: The Gary Sinise Foundation

July 1, 2014

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Today we are excited to highlight the Gary Sinise Foundation!  Gary Sinise is the heart behind an incredible group of people who serve veterans & their families.  Gary has played an integral part in spreading the word about Travis: A Soldier’s Story.  Travis and the film team had the honor of meeting Gary when he attended the 2014 GI Film Festival as a special guest.  The Gary Sinise Foundation is also hosting a benefit and screening in San Diego next week to help build a smart house for Travis Mills & his family.

[Tickets & more information here.]

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The Organization’s Purpose: The experiences of war leave an indelible impact on our servicemen and women. Upon their return to civilian life, the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges they and their families face are often very difficult. As citizens, supporting our defenders is a responsibility each of us must carry. The Gary Sinise Foundation is committed to ensuring the sacrifices of our brave men and women are never forgotten.

Building for America’s Bravest™  In 2011, the Gary Sinise Foundation began raising funds to build custom Smart Homes for America’s severely wounded heroes. Building for America’s Bravest™, a partner program with Tunnel to Towers Foundation, was launched to construct these homes all across the nation. Each Smart Home features automated amenities to ease the life challenges our heroes face and to help restore their everyday independence. In 2013, the Gary Sinise Foundation expanded these efforts by establishing its R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence & Supporting Empowerment). Twenty-seven Smart Homes will begin building preparations, break ground or finish construction by the end of 2014.

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Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band:  For more than a decade, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band have brought their live performances to our nation’s service members and their families all around the world.  Whether boosting morale on military bases at home and abroad, the band entertains, educates, inspires and builds communities with its amazing live show.

Relief & Resiliency Outreach:  The Gary Sinise Foundation Relief & Resiliency Outreach program provides complete support to military and first-responder families recovering from trauma and loss during times of urgent need.  The Foundation also hosts their very own Invincible Spirit Festivals, day-long celebrations designed to boost the morale and spirits of the patients, their families and the medical staff at military hospitals across the country.

Additional Outreach: The GSF also shows appreciation through Serving Heroes, a program that provides hearty, classic American meals to our defenders across the country. They’ve also expanded our Arts & Entertainment Outreach program to include the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Each theatre provides dinner and a performance to local veterans free of charge.

Information on the programs available through the Gary Sinise Foundation found here.

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Make an impact today!

Donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

For any questions, visit www.GarySiniseFoundation.org

Follow the Gary Sinise Foundation on social media:

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Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: Gary Sinise, Gary Sinise Foundation, Travis: A Soldier's Story, Wounded Warrior

Tuesday Feature: Travis Mills Foundation

June 23, 2014

With the launch of new Travis the Movie website, we are pleased to share with you a new feature on Tuesdays to honor organizations & people that have supported veterans and the Wounded Warrior community.  We have so much respect for these groups and all the ways they continually honor veterans, and have helped Travis, Kelsey & Chloe Mills.  The first feature in this series is the Travis Mills Foundation.  We are so proud of Travis for taking his circumstances and using them to help others by giving back to the veterans and their families.  Read on to learn more about the impact Travis is making.

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The Organization: Travis Mills Foundation
During his recovery at the U.S. Army’s flagship hospital, Walter Reed, Travis found a passion for inspiring fellow wounded servicemen and women.  Travis consistently toured the facility seeking opportunities to encourage and spend time with fellow wounded soldiers and their families. Travis quickly earned the nickname, the “Mayor,” at the hospital.
Organization’s Purpose: The Travis Mills Foundation is a nonprofit formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans and their families.  This allows Travis to carry out his passion to encourage others by showing them they can overcome their physical obstacles and emotional challenges, finding purpose by staying the course through their recovery.
Travis_blog National Veterans Family Center (Recreation Camp)  Located in Belgrade, Maine, the National Veterans Family Center is the reality of Travis’s dream to provide a recreational camp for disabled veterans and their families.  At the camp, they unite with the land, water, nature, and each other leaving veterans revitalized and inspired to keep moving forward. You may support the “Travis Mills Project” by visiting the National Veterans Family Center and making a contribution. Motivational Speaking  Travis Mills’s keynote speech teaches and inspires audiences nationwide to “Never give up. Never quit.” no matter the obstacles or circumstances. Travis’s larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and incredible spirit for life engages audiences from the moment he takes center stage.  For more details about having Travis speak for your event, please contact Travis.
Make an Impact today!
Donate to the Travis Mills Foundation.
For any questions, email info@travismills.org
Follow the Travis Mills Foundation on social media:
twitterIG FB

Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog

Gary Sinise Foundation to Host a Screening on July 8 in San Diego!

June 17, 2014

We are  excited to announce that the Gary Sinise Foundation will be hosting a benefit & screening for Travis: A Soldier’s Story on Tuesday, July 8!

This is a unique experience you do not want to miss!  In addition to hearing Gary Sinise and Travis Mills speak, some of the doctors who helped save Travis’s life from the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) will be in attendance to answer questions & share their experience during the Q&A portion of the evening.

The proceeds from this event will help the Gary Sinise Foundation build Travis a smart house through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E Program.

Purchase tickets online: http://garysinisetravisthemovie.eventbrite.com

Travis Mills Screening 7.8.14

Filed Under: Travis: a soldier's story - Blog Tagged With: documentary film, Fotolanthropy, Gary Sinise, Gary Sinise Foundation, Travis Mills, Travis The Movie, Travis: A Soldier's Story

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A Fotolanthropy Production

Fotolanthropy is a non-profit organization that captures inspiring true stories through photography and film. To learn more, visit: fotolanthropy.com.

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