In one of the most amazing photos to come out of the war on terror, US Marine Gunnery Sergeant Brian Meyer flashes a thumbs-up after a horrifying attack.
Meyer was deployed in Afghanistan in 2011 as a bomb technician when he was working on a roadside bomb. While trying to defuse the bomb the IED exploded prematurely, taking Meyers’ leg and hand.
[revad1]
Worried that his gruesome injuries may rattle many of those he served with, he demanded Eric Lunson snap a photo of him smiling and giving a thumbs up.
Since this picture, it’s been a long road from Meyer. He is participating in a six year rehabilitation study with the Naval Health Research Center. The aim is to study how troops cope and enjoy life after suffering debilitating injuries such as the ones that happened to Meyer.
Meyer is battling hard, even turning down a wheelchair ramp that was to be built into his home. “I focus on what I have left, not what I lost.” he said.
Here’s some images from his recovery:
___________________
More from the Daily Mail:
US Marine Gunnery Sergeant Brian Meyer was deployed as a bomb technician in Afghanistan in 2011 when the device he was defusing exploded prematurely.
The then 29-year-old Marine was ripped apart by the blast. He lost his right leg above the knee, his right hand above the wrist and three fingers of his left hand.
While still receiving treatment on the battlefield, Sgt Meyer, fearful of the impact his injuries would have on his squad, ordered Eric Lunson to take his photograph. Forcing a smile through the pain, Sgt Meyer, raised what would have earlier been a thumbs’ up as the shutter clicked. The photograph, Sgt Meyer hoped, would provide inspiration for his men as he began his own battle with recovery.
Where does this photo rank on the list of iconic military images? Let us know in the comments below!
