My Name is Kevin McMains and I served 11 years and 50 days in uniform. I was a Casualty Liaison NCOIC. I am now retired due to my injuries sustained in Iraq. My story today is not focused on my many overseas tours, but my recovery from being paralyzed by a 120mm rocket blast. We were 3 days shy of coming home from our 16 month deployment to Iraq, when I was hit with a rocket. Unfortunately I did not have my gear on. It twisted my spine like a candy cane. I was going through a rough time emotionally, having to deal with my physical limitations, and a wife that just did not understand what I was going through. She filed for divorce, after 15 years of being together and 3 beautiful daughters. I was a complete wreck. Everything in my life was upside down and heading for rock bottom. One day I had given up and attempted suicide. With the blessings of God, I failed. I did not know what PTSD even was until this moment. I woke up the next morning and realized, I am better than this. My oldest daughter asked me when I was coming home. I told her it might be a long time. The Army was all I knew. I joined when I was 17. My family has a long line of military men and women. The Army saw my progress and placed me in the Warrior Transition Unit, to see what my status would be. I was in the WTU and never could get 100%. While recovering in the WTU, I was a full time daddy, full time soldier, and full time college student. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science. After a long year and some change they decided, it would be best for me to retire. So now I am retired and helping other vets in my small community gain the understanding that even when things are rough, there is that light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how hard it is, we can do it, and they don’t have to do it alone. I am an example to show, I have been there, I understand. I now can walk with the assistance of just a cane and sometimes without depending on the level of pain and mobility. Every day brings a different feeling because of the nerve damage and the body trying to heal itself. Shortly before retirement I met Jewel. She has been my rock to stand on when the ground has been weak. She learned about how to become a caregiver and quickly assumed this role. She did not have a clue about the military when we met and learns new things every day. She brings a daughter and son into the relationship, which brings our kid count to 5. I love kids and would not have it any other way. We just lost our home to a house fire, but we are doing okay. We have been through worse in our lives. I would like to take my family on their first vacation. We already have plane tickets but do not have tickets for Disney World. We would like the park hopper so that we can come and go as we please. We need 7 total sets of tickets as I have 5 kids and a wife.
U.S. Army (Severely Wounded Veteran)
1998 - 2009
Thank You Message from the Hero:
We are very grateful for vettixs.org. We needed tickets as another organization who was providing tickets dropped the ball. Vettixs came to the rescue and at the last minute made it happen. Thank you for what you did and what you guys continue to do daily. You made our vacation complete! The memories for these 5 young children are provided partially by you. Thanks for all these memories!!
- Kevin
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