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Carlos Osorio / AP
Chloe Mills, 1-year-old daughter of Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills and his wife Kelsey, crawls past her father's walking legs in his boyhood home in Vassar, Mich., on Oct. 4, 2012.
Carlos Osorio / AP
Travis Mills plays with his daughter Chloe.
The Associated Press reports from Vassar, Mich. — Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills had been a lot of places since losing his four limbs in Afghanistan. The one place he hadn't been was where people knew him best.
He finally returned to his Michigan hometown this week — six months after the explosion that cost him his arms and legs — to serve as the grand marshal of his old high school's homecoming parade.
"This is my new normal, and it's all about how I adjust to it," he said moments after using his prosthetic legs to walk from the living room to the sun room at his childhood home. "There's no good that's gonna come from me sitting there and wondering, 'Why'd this happen? Why me? Now what do I do?' The answer's right in front of you: It happened because it happened." Read the full story.
Visit Travis Mills' web page to learn more about his road to recovery.
Related links:
- At long last: Remains of soldiers killed in World War II put to rest
- Wounded warriors show grit, determination on journey to recovery
- Funeral for a New Jersey soldier killed in Afghanistan
Carlos Osorio / AP
Mills, right, is helped with his home legs by his father, Dennis Mills.
Carlos Osorio / AP
Kelsey Mills helps her husband navigate the newly installed ramp at his boyhood home.
Carlos Osorio / AP
Travis Mills rides in the back of a Jeep during the homecoming parade on Thursday, Oct. 4. Mills, his wife, Kelsey, and their 1-year-old daughter, Chloe, were the grand marshals of Vassar High School's homecoming parade.
Carlos Osorio / AP
Julie Best, a friend of Travis Mills, cheers as he rides in the homecoming parade.
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It's enough to bring tears to your eyes, and make you ask yourself, why do we as humanity continue to put our loved ones and ourselves through wars like this? Bless that family.
MONEY
Makes me proud to be an American!
"We never should, and I am sure, never shall be stingy of gratitude and benefaction to the soldiers who have endured toil, privations and wounds, that the nation may live".
Abraham Lincoln--August 10, 1863
Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, welcome home. We're proud of you and thank you for your service. You're going to have a rough road ahead of you but hopefully, we the American people can serve you as well as you've served us.
While I normally reserve my posts on here for replying to the out of bounds and off topic comments, I felt compelled to reply to yours.
I am a veteran myself. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ssgt. Mills. However, his story literally brought tears to my eyes as I read. I cannot fathom the strength and courage it takes on a daily basis for the man to get up and face life head on. To have that kind of attitude shows more strength and determination than anything else I've seen in my life. He is the very definition of a hero.
As a veteran, I would also like to give my thanks to America as a nation. You are why we serve. Although you may not agree with why we fight at times, you continue to show your support of the troops. Thank you again and God bless.
Anyone who enlists in the Military does so willingly. Those men and women have a lot of grit, determination, and courage anyway. They know how to tackle anything and make it happen. No doubt in my mind Travis hits the road rolling limbs or no limbs!
a note to "Doc Holliday". I find it strange that you are made proud by this scene. Don't you see the 'damage' suffered here? I left a large part of my digestive system on the ground in S E Asia 40 some years ago. Other than scars on my legs and abdomen, no one could tell I had suffered much. I see this young man with the obvious wounds of war. I wonder how he will live his life. I can't blame him for putting on a good show for the community. I doubt they will honor him at a parade in 10 years. I wonder how many people are embarrassed when they see him and want to walk down the other side of the street or turn around to avoid eye contact. Travis is not going to have a wonderful life. His daughter will be taller than he before too many years. How do you think that will make him feel. There is no room for "proud or glory" in this picture, only shame, shame that we as a nation allow this sort of thing to happen to one of our own.
please leave politics out of this article and wish him and his family the best.....
ReallyGuys, a BIG + 1 to your sincere post. Well said! No one could have said it better.
SFC, MI (US Army, ret)
ET220, We have learned much in the last 40 years. I hope you are wrong. I believe you will be.
I happen to know several people missing all four limbs, and some missing arms, some missing legs, etc. You Sir are WRONG....and bitter. Don't comment on things you don't know.
He's a good looking guy and I love his attitude.He has a pretty wife,a beautiful daughter,a loving family and he came back alive.I am wishing the best for him as he goes through life.Welcome home.
For those of you who think that people missing limbs are unhappy and can't be a productive member of society, look at these videos and then tell me what you think.
She even drives:
For those of you who think that people missing limbs are unhappy and can't be a productive member of society, look at these videos and then tell me what you think.
www.youtube.com/user/tishaunarmed?feature=g-user-u =You tube Tisha Unarmed
She even drives: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl28nkae5DU&feature=plcp
So tell me, why would you think that somene missing limbs is disabled? or miserable? or can't live a normal and happy life?
So tell me, why would you think that somene missing limbs is disabled? or miserable? or can't live a normal and happy life?
This guy is an inspiration. If you think you have problems in your life, take a look at what this guy has to face every day the rest of his life...then, get over yourself.
Thanks so much for your service sir!
HM1 1/7 USMC
Our sons and daughters a have given their lives and limbs to give those people a better way of looking at the world, and this is what they got for it while Muslims burn our flag.
All our 2000 dead sons and daughters gave their lives for nothing.
Nothing has changed because these people let religion rule instead of human rights and they don't WANT to change.
Something our arrogant, uneducated to their ways, presidents just could not accept. Of course it was not Bush or Obama that has lost a child to that ill conceived war. And congress just has not had any balls when it comes to saying, enough is enough.
They will turn on us like the religious mad people they are and will kill our children just because some none existent God tells them too.
There are just as many Taliban as there was from day one. It has all been for nothing.
Steven100
I understand your frustration and anger from what is going on but please don't cause these wounded soldiers and their family's more pain by saying they did it for nothing.
I was in the 82nd Airborne Division and I live in Fayetteville NC - Home of the 82nd, Special Forces, Delta Force and other units that make up Ft. Bragg. I have seen many wounded soldiers, known some that died and talked to many who made it home OK.
I have not talked to one person that has been affected by loss of limb or death of a family member that feels they did this for nothing.
I agree with you! -- but please do not imply these people did this for nothing because it just causes them one more wound.
God Bless You!!!!
From a friend.
I have never been an anti-war person, but in this case I agree with everything you have said.
well said. absolutely agree.
Steven this was his job, Once he got over there Im sure it may have been the last place he wanted to be. He probably would have rather been home in a nice comfy home like you with his family. But this is a job someone has to do and he did it. It wasnt for nothing, it was for us (and you) so you could sit in your comfy chair at home while he was out risking his life, so dont judge him.
Who the hell are you to determine they "died for nothing"?? Get out of your WWII mindset.
And to geunavere: So in other words, until you read this article, you've always been pro-war?? You just figured out that war should be the last resort? You should just discovered that men and women are killed and maimed?? Nice.....
Thank you so much for your devotion to this great nation. I pray for you and hope you get the support most definitely deserve. God bless you and the United States of America.
You are so right. These people are still living in a time hundreds of years ago and we can't change their way of life. They have no respect for their own lives so why should they have respect for ours. I served in Vietnam and I am proud of it. The Vietnamese asked for our help but these people didn't. Big difference.....
Thank You for your service and I wish you well!! SPC Ramirez U.S. Army ret
Travis, no words will ever equal the appreciation and respect I have for the service you so willing gave to Our Country. The thankful prayer that you have been able to return home to be with your family. What was taken from you by those you fought was devestating, but your character and perserverance has kept you strong, not just for you but for your beautiful child and family. May your life be blessed and thank you again.
your a better man than me......sorry for your loss
Travis,from one Vet to another T HANK YOU, Ok WHITE HOUSE Lets see what you do for this Young Man, Step up and take care of him........................
they've allready started showing you charlie,by building him a crappy ramp.
The ramp is at his fathers house and it's a temporary ramp. When Travis is fully rehabbed at Bethesda WRAMC he through private donations will have a new home built for him with smart technology. You people make me sick. Half of you's shoot off your mouth without knowing what the Government and the VA will be doing for Travis. I know my son is a triple amputee from the war and does quite well. So before you post ignorant comments stop and think.
White House? How about Congress?
so thats the best kind of ramp they could build for this american hero,looks like 8th grade shop class design and construction,poor poor effort.
It's a temporary that was built for his short stay before going back to Bethesda WRAMC. You need to get the facts before you shoot off your mouth. Better yet why don't you donate to the Wounded Warrior Project if you are so concerned.
i pay taxes brian,enof said
you pay taxes because you HAVE TO, you donate because you WANT to support them.
riverdog, sounds like 4F Talk to me. You put down the effort made by others while you sit. You know, some volunteer work would only show you how lucky you are. Wounded Warriors are true Men and Women of value who gave you the freedom to be an ass. Pay back.
Mo:: Thank you for mentioning volunteer work. Volunteer work at a VA hospital would be just the thing for riverdog. How do I know? I volunteered at a V A hospital from 1989 to 2007 and hung up my boots. Retired? I volunteered at a state veterans cemetery from 2006 to 2008-- yes, I was working two volunteer jobs in the same time frame. I am volunteering at a vet center-- started in 2008. Still going strong as I can, and I just turned 78 years of age.
If I can do it, some young person like riverdog could do it. But seems it wants to sit on its arse and criticize.
And THANK ALL SERVICE PERSONNEL AND VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE. I SALUTE YOU!
Then you go and build him one if it's so bad. I'm sure it was built safely, but quickly so as to be able to accomodate the young soldier as soon as possible. Instead of complaining about it, go over there and build him a better one instead of complaining about it.
Unlike you, I have great respect for those who serve, as well as their families and friends. I wish the best for him and his family.
If you want to see more missing limbs, vote GOP often.
Yo are a sicko. Matter of fact when Bush was engaged in Afghanistan we didn't ave anywhere near the casualties you are seeing today Thank the current president for those numbers.
Didn't Obama say this is his war now?
When are we going to stop this war and he has been there for four (4) years more and I see no signs of getting out as he said he would.
Carol he did sat that. He actually said this was the right war. He elevated troop levels and changed the rules of engagement. President Obama has been disengaged from the war and has missed nearly 50% pf is daily WH briefings. He doesn't care.
To:Lance Johnson-5076203
I find you offensive. Many of us posting here have served our country.
Myself-----A Co 1/505th PIR Ft Bragg, NC 28307
I am willing to bet you have never served--if you have who with. People like you do not understand, to a service member it is not about a political party affiliation but a calling to serve and protect our country and this includes you. We do not complain about you so why don't you quit complaining about something that evidently you know nothing about.
As a mom of 2 soldiers (one in his 3rd tour in Afghanistan), I agree with Lance. These wars were not so much about freeing the middle east people as bringing money into the war machine and they are using my kids' lives to do it. Right now the GOP is chomping at the bit to be turned loose on Iran.
I'm not real happy with Obama now either for keeping this going so long but feel that in the area of keeping our rears out of war for the next 4 years, he's the far better choice.
itgranny is on the right track. no one means any disrespect to the verterans and to the troops, but anyone who ignores the fact that there are war profiteers making $millions$, at the expense of our young people, is living in a fantasy world. As far as which president to blame, if you want to blame Obama you have to put just as much of the blame squarely on the shoulders of Bush/Cheney.
Lance, your not amusing... say that around me and you will be missing some teeth.. lucky for you you're only an Internet azzhole.
Lance: Vote GOP and you see a chance of putting all these brave men and women in a job. Romney will bring jobs to the USA and put returning servicemembers and others back to work!
yeah making caskets and spare parts for the ones he gets killed and wounded in the future.
Another dumba$$ statement
If McCain were President, we'd not only be staying in Afghanistan beyond 2014, we'd still be in Iraq and would've invaded Iran by now. Bombbombbomb bomb bomb Iran, bombbombbomb bomb bomb Iran...
Thank you President Obama for not listening to the republicons, going into Pakistan and giving the green light to kill Bin Laden! Thank you for ending these wars!!
Viva Obama/Biden 2012!!
Viva Obama/Biden 2012!!
Ewww! barf
brian:: You are the sicko. Your savior George W Bush put us into TWO unfunded wars, neither of which we should have gotten into. Do you realize how many we lost in Iraq? President Obama has closed that down-- now I hope the other useless war will shut down before we lose more.
This is truly sad story because this young man lost having possibility to ever again live a normal life resulting of a senseless war.
As Travis said, this is his new normal and I commend him for having such a positive attitude.
He's going to have a great life! He's got a good working brain!
THIS is a truly inspiring story of a real MAN who recognizes his abilities instead of his limits.
Carluchi:: A normal life according to YOU. I bet he will live a normal life-- as normal as will be possible-- after he gets discharged from the hospital and get home again with people who love him. OK, so he won't have his limbs-- but he will still have a positive attitude and a personality to match. And positive attitude and personality is something you lack.
Good for you....glad to see that you are recovering and willing to keep on keepin' on.....
Hooah, wonderful to see such support from your home town, Wish all the best for you. God speed.
May God bless you and your family! Thank you for doing what you do.
The hard truth is that all who go into battle know they may not come back.... This leaves little comfort in the fact that this brave young man will have obstacles to overcome. But he's BACK, he has his family and a wonderful attitude on LIVING his life to the fullest. We may have many feelings about this, however PRIDE overshadows them all. He is truly what a hero is made of. Thank you Travis, I hope you have many many more years with your beautiful family. Take care of you!
If he can smile and be happy anyone can because look what he has lost and he still whole and what a wonderful person he is.
Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough but that is the only thing I can say to this wonderful person that gave everything for his country and never asked for anything back except to able to walk and use his arms again.
May God bless him and his entire family NOW and for ALL time as I am certain he will!!!
Thanks for your service & glad to see you're keeping your head held high. Now lets see what the free world does for him for the sacrifice he made for us.
For a continuation of these sad stories VOTE ROMBO in 2012. There is no war too tough that he can't send someone else's sons to fight it. He can get us to the 12 million man Army. He's already promised to deliver these jobs.
"They will turn on us like the religious mad people they are and will kill our children just because some none existent God tells them too."
Steven, this war isn't about religion. Ask yourself this, why in all the years this country existed up to this very day, have we placed ourselves into such a long drawn out endless war, with no end in sight? Because those people hate us? How would we feel, if we were the country that was invaded by another country, and they used religion as the reason for it as we have with this one? How many years would we allow another country to continue to stick their noses into our affairs, as we have done to them? Would we allow them to set up a central bank giving us their form of debtmocracy, take over our resources, allowing their corporations to move in and tap those resources for their gain and profit, and telling us the whole time that we HAVE to accept their money as payment for those resources? If this IS such a religious war as so many think, then why in the H are we doing those exact same things over there? Does religion have anything to do with those examples I just gave? What does the bombing of those towers have to do with what we are now doing over there? Not one damn thing. Religion just makes the excuse.
Our nation was invaded with an act of war on 9/11, and how soon do people forget! These religious want your total anihilation. Our heroes are trying to stop that over there before it gets here. If anybody has anything negative to say about yhis young man I would like to meet him and kick his ass. From a vet.
blah, blah blah, blah. That was over ten years ago. Do you want war for a hundred years? You sound like typical war lover republican. Bin Ladin is dead. Why dont you ask why powerful rich Americans are buddies of the Saudis? You do realize that Japanese soldiers continued to fight WWII for islands in the Pacific until the 1970s. You didnt see the US wasting trillions tracking down every soldier.
tim:
#1 Bush said it would take time to win, and asked for patience
#2 Bush also stated the war would go on with or without Bin Laden's presence. We were fighting Al Queida and the Taliban. It has been over a year since Bin Laden was killed, did the Taliban or Al Queida give up yet? Who was right, Bush or the left?
#3 The only reason the Japanese (country) stopped fighting was because we used OVERWHELMING FORCE to destroy them. Yes, a few snipers fought on for years. Perhaps we should have used overwhelming force in Iraq and Afghanistan
The only opinion on the war I will listen to is from the people who were there. Such as this soldier. I didn't see him asking for pity or making political statements about it being right or wrong. Why are posters here doing that? Let's ask him why he volunteered and how he feels about it now. My gut says he would do it again.
You lost me when you began referring to the ultimate moron Bush with his eceletic reading list. Hey Bush the moron the word is ecletic. How about his moronic quote about regulations preventing gynecologists from "practicing their love of women". If someone believes what a moron says what does that make them?
keith:: yes, our country was invaded on 9/11-- but WHO were the invaders? It wasn't Iraq or Afghanistan-- so why did we invade them. George Bush wanted any excuse to start a war or two. So he invented one. And he didn't serve. Neither did his daughters.
River Dog 242. This story is about Travis and his family, not about the ramp. You are clueless and classless. You didn't have the common sense to thank Travis for his service. Nope just shoot off your mouth. If you are so concerned about the ramp that was built at his fathers house for his short visit open up your wallet and donate to Wounded Warrior Project or got to Travis's FB page and donate your money directly to him.
You're seeing the bright side of this, unfortunately. Until you see the carnage in real time, hear the screaming and smell the blood...It's like a funeral home's job is to make the event of death secondary and present it at as anti-septic and abstract to the event itself. That's the way we deal with things. Trust me, it ain't pretty.
Ssgt, 2CEB, USMC Iraq/Somalia
Thanks for your service. Semper Fidelis
Welcome Home SSgt and I wish the best for you and your family.
Keep your head up and strive each day to do your best...
Semper Fidelis!
MGySgt, USMC (Viet Nam 1969-1971, Beruit 1983, 1st Gulf 1990-1991)
We truly understand that we don't know the reality SSgt. No one but an idiot glamorizes war.
Gen. Mc Arthur said it "WAR IS HELL" We have learned from past mistakes that without the fine service men and women who volunteer to protect and serve in our Armed Forces we would be a third world Country. We would no longer be a Country of Freedom and Liberties no other country can match. We Thank You .
This young man is what the word H-E-R-O is all about. Heroes are not about overpriced ball players or Hollywood celebrities. The VA should have a blank check to care for and rehabilitate these heroes for the rest of their lives. Next time any of us feel depressed or down in the dumps, just think of this young man and what his life will now be like. He is an inspiration and will always be in my prayers.
MEMO TO THE PRESIDENT: How many more deaths and dismembered young American's must go through this? This part of the planet, i.e Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Israel, etc. have been at each others throats ever since mankind inhabited this earth. Do you think peace is just around the corner? Hah! Our country cannot aford to be the world's police force any longer. Bring our boys home now! Let these countries have their civil wars and kill each other. They do not want our help. The planet will be a lot better off with these animals just exterminating themselves.
Tomdog: The President will read your memo at a later date. He is busy campaigning today; has to visit a fried chicken shop and a pizza parlor for photo ops and get in a round of golf before it rains this afternoon.
You think he'll be making jokes about looking for WMD's while our kids are fighting and dying for a war he started?
I will never say our troops died or got wounded over there for nothing, but I really don't think anything will change there, after we pull our troops out.
Every soldier that has served overseas deserves this welcome home. Thanking this dude for his service is never going to be enough to repay him for the debt we owe. God bless!
God Bless, Travis.
Semper Fi, brother.
Maybe we should ask the same of our politicians. If you truly have the best interests of this country and want to serve, then we will take your limbs...
Still want to run for office??
probably get the best of the best if we did that
A hero is measured by more than his actions on the field of battle. Travis, you are a hero! In my book, you are standing tall. Welcome home from an old Army medic.
Ken: showing up is good enough for me. Welcome home to both of you from an old Medevac crewman.
To any of you that uses this to make it a political post. You show no care or concern for anyone but yourself.
Comments made to push YOUR own agenda.
You have no idea as to what these wounded soldiers have been through, from the stress of basic training to advanced individual training to being in a war. Then the trauma of having your life changed forever and everyday being a struggle along with their family's that have a completely different person come home than the person who left.
You are truly the most selfish of people, you have no kind words, no sympathy or encouragement for this man or all wounded and dead that fought for YOUR NATION.
Do yourself a favor---Stop posting here because it makes you look like the ASS that you are!!
Stop making heroes out of victims and blindly marching to the slaughter cause your "betters" told you so.
tim:: do you have a job? do you do what your job calls for? if so, your "betters" have told you so.
This is not a place for you to post your uncalled-for comment. Someone has to do things-- and it sure isn't going to be you.