Class of '62 Student Enrichment Fund Event
Campus visit by Melissa Stockwell
March 1, 2017

On Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Melissa Stockwell spoke to the Corps of Cadets during the closing ceremony of the Corps Annual Review (CAR) at Culver. Her inspirational words about her life after losing a leg in Iraq gathered very positive feedback from the students attending; several of the comments received are quoted below. She also participated in the recognition ceremony when winning units were given flag ribbons for their achievements. Her visit to the Academy was sponsored by our Class of 1962 Student Enrichment Fund.

Melissa Stockwell is an American two-time Paralympian and former U.S. Army officer. She joined the ROTC at the University of Colorado in her sophomore year and was a senior in college when the September 11, 2001 attack happened. Following graduation, she went to the Transportation Officer Basic Corps in Virginia before being assigned to the First Cavalry division at Ft. Hood, Texas. She was deployed in March 2004 to Iraq. A first lieutenant, she was the first female soldier to lose a limb in the Iraq War. She lost her left leg when a roadside bomb exploded when she was leading a convoy in Baghdad. For her service in Iraq she was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

After extensive recovery and rehabilitation, she subsequently became the first Iraq veteran chosen for the Paralympics. She competed in three swimming events, the 100 m butterfly, 100 m freestyle, and 400 m freestyle, at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, and finished sixth, fifth, and fourth in her heats, respectively. She was chosen to be the U.S. team's flag bearer at the closing ceremonies. She returned to race in the 2016 Paralympic Games and won a Bronze medal in the inaugural Paratriathlon event on September 11, 2016. Classmate Dan Baker's daughter-in-law (who is visually impaired) also participated in the 2016 games and was very impressed with Melissa.

Stockwell is a Level 1 USAT Triathlon coach and co-founder of Dare2Tri, a Chicago-based triathlon club specifically for athletes with disability. She has had the pleasure of speaking to many groups ranging from the VFW and Boy Scouts to well-known companies such as Deloitte, General Motors, The Hartford, the Chicago Bears and many more. Sharing her story 'Baghdad to Beijing and Beyond', Melissa talks about overcoming obstacles, perseverance and living life to its fullest. Melissa fully believes that anyone can do anything that they put their mind to and hopes her audience walks away with a greater appreciation of life and an 'I can do anything' attitude.

For more background on Melissa, read Jan Garrison's Culver News article.

CLASS OF 1962 STUDENT ENRICHMENT FUND FEEDBACK
Speaker - Melissa Stockwell
March 1, 2017
As compiled by Laura Yeager, Director of Stewardship, Development

"I really liked the patriotic theme and her story. It was a story of perseverance that I really liked and respected, she lost her leg for country yet she kept a positive attitude, realizing that it could be a lot worse. She made the best out of her situation by going to the Paralympics. She was truly an amazing woman and I really liked the presentation."
--Alex '18

"I like how she presented to us. Her attitude was every exciting and made it very enjoyable. I learned that no matter what happens to me, I can stay able to compete high levels with hard work. When I feel like quitting I going to remember to push harder because there are people half as able that are still training hard."
--Manzona '20

"My favorite part is when she talked about her life after her injury in 2004. Her motivation and optimism for life is so good and great. I learned that effort pays off. Moreover, if God closes one of your doors to success, one of those windows out there must be open for you. I really enjoyed this."
--Bob '19

"I really liked the message that this speaker had to share. She was definitely committed to her love of and service to her country, but even after she experienced the loss of her leg, she persevered. This made me think a lot about how I would act in a similar situation. I would like to think that I would handle things in a similar matter. Knowing there are people like her that rise up from adversity helps all of us to deal with adversity day to day. She was great!"
--Logan '18

"I really enjoyed learning how someone so young could not only be a Lieutenant in the military, but also such a competitive athlete in gymnastics and swimming. I learned that no matter where I come from or what challenges lay ahead of me, I can do anything I put my mind to. I learned that if you put in the time and effort, and work hard to achieve a goal, you can get anywhere in life. I will value all of the things I am blessed with in life: family, friends, CMA and many others. I will look for the light in everything and seek to be inspired by others accomplishments. I absolutely loved Melissa Stockwell. She was one of the most sincere and incredible people I've ever watched give a presentation. She is someone who is devoted to her country, yet sees everyone around her as being on the same team. I hope to see more people like her come to Culver in the near future!"
--Dylan '18

"She was great! Not much more I can say."
--Nathan '17

"Mrs. Stockwell's presentation really hit home for me. I entered Culver with an ACL tear that kept me out of football. I am now in my first class year, and I just re-tore my ACL. She has lost so much more. Her presentation reminds me to be perseverant and to move forward through times of trouble. I gained perspective because my injuries are so small in comparison. I really enjoyed this. She is a remarkable person and soldier!"
--Jack '17

"My favorite part about Melissa Stockwell's presentation was her story about making it to the Olympics. She talked about some of the obstacles she had to face, especially in the recovery process of her leg. I also found it very honorable that Melissa Stockwell celebrates the day she lost her leg. She sees it as a day she was able to keep living. She could have looked at the situation the opposite way and ask why it happened to her, but she didn't!"
--Alec '18

"I learned that I can do whatever I put my mind to in life. All I need is a hard work ethic, mixed with passion. Melissa Stockwell is a great example of good work ethic. She made it to the Olympics and won a bronze medal. This takes lots of hard work, but also dedication to getting better."
--Joel '20

"I think it is amazing to hear a personal view from a soldier who lost their leg. I think I have much more respect for injured soldiers, after I saw the presentation. It was an eye opener to see that she did not have to pay the ultimate sacrifice, and was so grateful for that."
--Jacob '19

"I liked the entire presentation and thought it was very engaging. Melissa Stockwell is truly a hero for all of us!"
--Nick '19

"I really enjoyed Mrs. Stockwell's humor when facing a time in her life that many would see a traumatic. She got me thinking about not being worried if things do not go as planned. I also learned to persist in the time of difficulty, and strive to do what make me happy."
--James '19

"I thought that it was a great message. I wasn't really sure what to expect because I didn't know who the speaker was until she walked on stage. She was extremely motivating to me. She made me realize that no matter how bad I think I have it someone always has it worse, so keep things in perspective. I'm really glad the class of 1962 decided to do this!"
--Carson '19

"My favorite part about the Melissa Stockwell speech was how she talked about turning her incident into a chance to give back to the country. This inspired me very much. I learned never give up no matter what, and to understand you are not alone and someone, somewhere has it worse than you."
--Tommy '18

"I enjoyed her story and how she explained how her losing her leg had a sort of positive impact on her. She was able to turn a bad thing into a positive outcome. I also liked how she said that she has probably done more with one leg than she would have done with two. I learned of the importance of perseverance and positivity in dealing with unforeseen situations."
--Harrison '17

This event was primarily for CMA students as a wrap up to the Corps Annual Review (CAR). However, a few young women attended her presentation. Here is a comment from one of them:

"I really enjoyed Melissa's story and how relatable she was. She was very open about her experiences and tied them in well with her overall lesson. Melissa inspired me to be more grateful for what I have and to take risks because you never know what could happen when you follow your dreams. She reiterated the idea that nothing is impossible and stood as a testament that circumstances do not determine success -- hard work does. I definitely have a new perspective on my life and more insight into the decision I have to make in the near future. I have been admitted to the Naval Academy and West Point and have been offered an ROTC scholarship. Her speech reiterated the importance of service and reminded me of the commitment that comes along with the military. I am energized to think that my life will have a greater purpose, no matter what obstacles I may face."
--Tori CGA'17