WHAT WHAT!?? This is crazy guys. If you haven’t seen this remarkably uplifting documentary, it’s past time you add it to your Netflix Queue. At the heart of this courageous tale lies a love story about a family who rose to the occasion and proved that life is a matter of overcoming immense obstacles, together.
Travis: A Soldier’s Story is an award-winning documentary showcasing the life of Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne Division. In April of 2012, while on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, an IED exploded costing Travis an immense loss, his limbs. He is 1 of 5 quadruple amputees to survive the injuries he sustained during the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Upon arriving home, this soldier went to work. He spent months in rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center. While gaining his strength and learning how to take care of his infant daughter, Chloe, Travis used his struggles to help motivate other wounded soldiers. It wasn’t long after that he met Katie Norris of Fotolanthropy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to capturing true stories of those who have overcome adversity through photography and film. From there, the award-winning documentary, Travis: A Soldier’s Story, would take flight. The film has premiered in over 30 cities nationwide, including our great nation’s capital and gained huge press coverage all over the United States.
While traveling the country premiering his debut film, Travis continued to push the limits. With the unfailing help from his devoted wife, Kelsey, there would be no ceiling that he couldn’t attempt to crash. From shooting clays in his backyard in Maine, learning to drive a pick-up truck and even skydiving with the United States Army Golden Knights, Travis couldn’t be stopped.
After his debut on the big screen, Travis, along with author, Marcus Brotherton, decided to put his tale to paper and wrote a novel chronicling the before and resilient after of his Alive Day, Tough as They Come. This inspirational New York Times Best Seller is available through the Travis Mills Foundation and on Amazon!
His story wasn’t quite done yet though. He spent time traveling and speaking for motivational platforms and universities. After months of book signings and television and radio spots, Travis, his wife, and his daughter returned back to Maine for a well-deserved gift, their new smart home. Through the generous donations from the Gary Sinise Foundation (Lieutenant Dan Ya’ll), the Carrington Foundation and Tunnel to Towers, the Mills Family would finally have a place to call home. Controlled by an iPAD, this home is equipped with an elevator and a broad range of handicap accessible utilities throughout the house and on the property.
His story and the choices he made after that fateful day in April of 2012 would inspire millions. In true Travis form, he chose to Never Give Up. Never Quit. And now, he’s hoping to help reintegrate wounded soldiers back into society. In September of 2013, Travis created the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefit and assist combat injured veterans. Over the last 2 years, the Mills Foundation has devoted their time to creating a retreat for soldiers that are wounded or suffering from TBI or PTSD. They have purchased cosmetic mogul, Elizabeth Arden’s estate in Rome, Maine and plan to open their doors in the summer of 2017. It’s been years of renovations in preparation for the incoming wounded veterans and their families but Travis says it’s been worth it. He is living a life for those who didn’t make it back and now able to provide a safe haven for our nation’s bravest.
He’s not slowing down anytime soon either. This guy and his buddy, David Vobora of Adaptive Training, were recently featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show promoting their missions and sharing some pretty big news…
The Mills family is expecting their 2nd child, a baby boy, this August! Congrats to you guys!! It has been an amazing pleasure watching this young couple’s journey and I can’t wait to see what’s in future!
Travis is redefining what it means to be a wounded warrior. -CNN
So, what are you waiting for? Go watch the movie and when you love it, share the inspiration with #travisthemovie. For more details on where to purchase this documentary and how to donate to the Travis Mills Foundation, head to the Travis Mills Foundation’s website.
therustienail.wordpress.com 