Visit to Green Bay, Wisconsin — Sharing My Story, Connecting With Community
This past week I had the opportunity to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin and speak at three different events that truly reminded me why I share my story in the first place. My good friend, kayak paddling partner, and adventure teammate, Ken Braband, invited me to come out and spend several days in his community. Ken and his wife Mary generously opened their home to me, transported me to every event, and made sure I was taken care of from the moment I arrived on November 15 until I flew home on November 19. Their kindness and hospitality made the entire experience meaningful, comfortable, and enjoyable.
On my first full day in Green Bay, November 16, before the Northeastern Wisconsin Paddlers Club annual meeting, I was interviewed by NBC 26 News. The reporter asked me about my service, my injury in Iraq, and why I continue to push myself physically and mentally through adventures, mountains, cycling, paddling, and all the other pursuits that fill my life today. I shared my belief that movement is living, that we must be at our absolute best in our darkest moments, and that life is still full of possibility even after a traumatic change. The interviewer did a great job capturing the purpose behind my visit: to speak, to connect, and to hopefully inspire others through my journey.
You can watch the story here:
https://www.nbc26.com/greenbay/blind-iraq-veteran-conquers-mountains-marathons-and-inspires-others-through-adventure
That same evening I spoke at the annual meeting for the Northeastern Wisconsin Paddlers Club (https://newp.club). The room was filled with paddlers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts—my kind of people. I talked about my service in Iraq, losing my eyesight, waking up in Walter Reed, and the long road of rehabilitation, recovery, and rebuilding that followed. I also shared how paddling, skiing, climbing, and all the adventures I’ve pursued have reshaped my life and helped me rediscover a sense of purpose and strength. It was a great crowd full of thoughtful questions and genuine appreciation.
On November 17 I visited Holy Cross Catholic School (https://holycrossfamily.org) thanks entirely to Mary, who connected me with the staff and made the event possible. Speaking to the students was powerful—kids have a way of asking honest, direct questions that cut straight to the heart of things. I talked to them about courage, resilience, teamwork, and what it means to adapt when life changes. I shared stories from my military service, from climbing mountains, and from paddling with friends like Ken. Their energy and curiosity made the experience incredibly meaningful. I always enjoy speaking to young people because they remind me how important it is to give back and share whatever wisdom I’ve gained through hardship and adventure.
My final presentation took place on the morning of November 18 for the Green Bay Area Retired Men’s Club (http://gbretiredmensclub.com). The room was filled with veterans, community leaders, and men who had lived long, full lives of service. I talked about my injury on May 13, 2008, losing my teammate Staff Sergeant Victor Cota, and the challenges of waking up blind and rebuilding from the ground up. I emphasized the values that carried me through—trust, patience, resilience, and the belief that even after devastating loss, we can choose to move forward. Their questions and reflections afterward reminded me of the power of community and shared experience.
Throughout the trip, Ken and Mary treated me like family. We shared meals, conversations, and plenty of laughs. I am grateful for their friendship and for all they did to make these speaking engagements possible. I’m also grateful to each group who welcomed me and allowed me to share my message of strength, courage, and moving through adversity.
I hope to return to Wisconsin again in the future. Every event, every conversation, and every connection reinforces why I tell my story—not just to inspire, but to remind people that no matter what challenges we face, we can continue to grow, continue to move, and continue to live with purpose.
Thank you to Ken, Mary, the Northeastern Wisconsin Paddlers Club, Holy Cross Catholic School, and the Green Bay Area Retired Men’s Club for the opportunity to share my journey.
Move forward. Explore through the darkness. Be at your best in your darkest moments.
#VeteranVoices #BlindVeteran #Resilience #Motivation #AdaptiveAdventure #Inspiration #GreenBay #PublicSpeaking #AdventureThroughAdversity
