My name is Corporal David Bixler. I joined the US Army in September of 2004, and endured 3 deployments. I was injured during my 3rd deployment in Kandahar, Afghanistan by an I.E.D. which amputated both of my legs.
I was immediately evacuated to the centralized medical facilities in Kandahar, then to Germany, and finally to Water Reed Army Medical Center a couple of days later. I was stabilized en-route, and should have lost my left arm due to bleeding. Fortunately they stopped the bleeding, saved my arm, and even restored almost all of its functionality. My legs didn’t make it though. My left leg was amputated through the knee cap. My right leg was lost midway through the thigh. I was fortunate to have survived, considering I actually died for a few minutes on the table.
I survived, and was awarded a Silver Star as well as USO Soldier of the Year, on top of my Purple Heart, Honorable Order of St. Barbara, and C.A.B. These awards PALE in comparison to some of the miraculous things that have been happening at Walter Reed, and now the new Walter Reed in Bethesda, MD. It is now called the Walter Reed National Navy Medical Center. They have combined decades of experience from the Army, and now, working with the Navy, provide unparalleled support for wounded warriors needing serious rehabilitation.
Recovering involves many steps. Rehabilitation, training, education, practice, exercise, repetition, and productivity all play a major part in recovering. As I was recovering as an outpatient at Walter Reed, I remembered that several soldiers who were once as bad, or even worse-off than myself visited me while I was still stuck in bed after surgeries. They paid regular visits to me to encourage me to keep going, strive to get stronger, heal, and regain my strength and positive attitude. It worked.
I have had a few setbacks, but I’ve been shot at, blown up, and have endured countless setbacks, infections. I survived. I continue to get stronger each day. As I move forward in my life, I want to give back to the community that saved my life, and gave me hope for a future. This is my testament, and my effort to let others know that no matter what the odds are, you can beat them.
Remember my unit’s motto as it has become my own, as a source of motivation.
Everybody Fights!
Nobody Quits!
David, it appears we share many common views. Somewhere I read that you went to school at Alpena. I did as well and now teach there. I would like to correspond with you directly. rlane72601@gmail.com