I am a disabled veteran with spinal cord trauma between C5 and C6 in my neck. Some doctors call me, “a higher functioning quadriplegic,” some call me, “a paraplegic with increased deficits,” and still others call me, “a tetraplegic.” Regardless of which term is used I am still permanently confined to an electric wheelchair.
Even though I am paralyzed I find myself on the cusp of a great adventure.
My goal is to travel America alone for a little over a year… actually closer to 18 months… exploring and visiting the people that I have spent virtually my entire life, in one way or another, defending, or in service to.
It is my intention to online-blog my travels on this website. I will write about my day-to-day adventures and experiences as well as post photographs and videos of the things I see and do. This way anyone that wishes to follow along will be able to do so.
There will also be a section for real-time GPS coordinates that will allow my readers to see where I’m at, in Google Maps, at any given moment. I’d also like to encourage you to read through my blog and give me any feedback and/or ideas that you may have. Please, do not hesitate to add comments.
While I have many personal reasons for making this trip. The biggest and most important things that I want to impart upon my sponsors and readers is this:
This expedition is not about left or right politics, or pro or anti war views. This trip is primarily about setting the bar for other veterans with disabilities. It’s a ‘proof of concept’ that adventure is not out of reach just because someone has lost their sight, or a limb, or is paralyzed. That there are still opportunities to be had in life, if you’re just willing to reach out and Seize Adventure.
~Paul
Paul
Not only do I want to say how phenomenal your zest for life is, but how thankful I am for your service to this country. Your example for the wounded soldiers that believe that all hope is lost, is profound. It takes true courage and discipline to defend your country when needed, and just as much if not more to face such a traumatic life event, and come out on the other side ready and able to face the challenges and triumphs down the road. You are a true example of the positive attitude and the beauty of the human spirit, hope and inner resilience as well as determination and will power. I wish you nothing but the best on your journey. Thank you for all you have done for those of us you have not met!
By: Jessica on October 25, 2008
at 3:15 am
Good luck, dude.
By: eddiebear on October 28, 2008
at 3:43 pm
Awesome goal, Paul. I wish you well. Thank you for your continued service to our country.
By: Susan Katz Keating on November 3, 2008
at 7:15 pm
A big round of applause from a fellow Desert Storm veteran! I am truly impressed by your determination, Paul, and I hope this trip provides you with wonderful memories. Even more importantly, I hope it inspires others with disabilities to seize the day. God bless!
By: Coop on November 6, 2008
at 8:30 pm
Awe inspiring, Paul. The best of luck to you, and thanks for your service to our country.
By: Kathy on November 10, 2008
at 11:44 am
Paul,
I drifted here from the [Redacted] after reading [Redacted]. Thank you for everything, and for the laughs too.
[From Paul] Tushar, Thanks for the comments. Hope you continue to read and follow my blog. Sorry about the redacting. They let me post stories over there about my life that I can’t post on my own site. I don’t want to offend any potential sponsors.
By: Tushar on November 18, 2008
at 3:21 am
No Probs, Paul!
See ya at the … internets
By: Tushar on November 18, 2008
at 1:26 pm
Staff noticed that you commented on Jeff’s site on thewickedpinto.wordpress.com, and followed a link here. Staff wishes you all the best on your journey, and we are pleased to inform you that Jeff purrs in your general direction.
By: Staff on November 19, 2008
at 5:32 am