ARLINGTON, Va. (March 7, 2014) -- The U.S. Army Military District of Washington Soldiers were presented valuable motivational experiences from Wounded Warrior retired Sgt. Noah Galloway, that are intended to assist them during their Army careers and beyond.
Galloway's visit to MDW included a morning run through Arlington National Cemetery, a tour explaining the 3rd Infantry Regiment's, (The Old Guard) highly visible and unique missions and lunch with MDW noncommissioned officers.
On Dec. 19, 2005, while assigned to the 1st of the 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., Galloway deployed to Yusafiah, Iraq, where he lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee during an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack.
During lunch Galloway talked about his struggles and how to help motivate Soldiers succeed both physically and mentally.
"The thing that really motivates me to push through hardships all stems back to my injury," said Galloway. "After four years of depression, I decided I needed to get back into shape. Once I got into shape, I was afraid to slow down. I kept saying to myself 'Keep moving! Keep pushing!'"
"Spending the day with Noah was truly inspirational," said Sgt. Matthew T. Morgan, MDW executive administrator to the command sergeant major. "His positivity is definitely contagious, he has a wonderful sense of humor, and his words to the fellow NCOs at the luncheon were very poignant."
According to the Noah Galloway website, he now provides inspiration, motivation and encouragement to countless individuals from all walks of life. It is those individuals who inspire and motivate him to continue his highly active lifestyle.
"I try and use my injury to challenge myself and try to challenge others," said Galloway. "This gave me the idea to become a personal trainer. I always ask people 'what are you going to tell me that you can't do'"
"His story is one we could all learn from," said Morgan. "He pulled himself through a very harrowing experience. His example of resilience is probably one of the best in the military."
After his injury, Galloway has since participated in numerous marathons; too include the 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death March, many CrossFit events and to the Carastensz Pyramid as part of a climb with The Heroes Project.
Galloway thanked the MDW Soldiers for their incredible service and what they do every day in the National Capital Region and the U.S. Army.
"I enjoyed my tour and to see the unique and incredible missions that the Soldiers have in the U.S. Army Military District of Washington," said Galloway. "Their work ethic is impressive and I am positive that the Soldiers here will do well wherever they go in the future."
"He has definitely shown me 'what right looks like' in terms of bouncing back from adversity," said Morgan. "Knowing him means that I can never feel sorry for myself or get down on myself for the situations I've gotten myself into."
"I feel it's important for Soldiers to enjoy and take pride in what they do," said Galloway. "Whether or not you decide to make it a career, you have to take advantage of those wonderful moments and live up to it."
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U.S. Army Military District of Washington
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