Celebrating Purple Heart Day last August 7, Rad sits speaks with Daniel Gade, ret. Army Lt. Col. and two-time Purple Heart recipient to discuss how he has turned his life-altering injuries into a mission to help his fellow veterans overcome their personal struggles after military service.

Daniel enlisted in the Army in 1992 and graduated from West Point in 1997, subsequently serving over 25 years as an Armor officer. During his deployments in Iraq, Daniel served as a tank company commander where he led more than 120 fellow service members into hostile territories.

On January 10, 2005, Daniel’s humvee encountered a roadside bomb while en route to a meeting with local tribal leaders. The explosion caused significant injuries to his legs and abdomen, resulting in the loss of his right leg. Daniel was evacuated to Baghdad and then to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and recovery.

Determined to not let his injuries define him, Daniel has since gone on to compete in a 140+ mile Iron Man, and now works to give back to his fellow veterans– serving as an Advisory Council Member at America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP), where he focuses on enhancing veterans’ lives through the coordination of local services.

As AWP celebrates their 10th anniversary this year, their veteran-led team has served more than 60,000 veterans nationwide. Daniel would love to share more about his incredible journey with you, and how AWP is working to help service members in need.