“Of all the walks we have taken, this will be our greatest. I love you” Allyssa R. Lind, October 29, 2016
These simple words from a daughter to her father on her wedding day held great meaning for Gary Linfoot. He’s a retired U.S. Army officer with 5,000 flight hours and 1,200 hours of combat operations; a veteran of Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom, 2001) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003-08); and a member of the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Night Stalkers.
Although he suffered grave injuries on his 20th combat mission in Iraq in a 2008 helicopter crash and lost the use of his legs, he has gone on to become a high-tech pioneer in the use of an Ekso Bionics exoskeleton for paraplegics.
In October 2013, Linfoot became the first military recipient of the device through a $100,000 grant from the Infinite Hero Foundation, to empower him to participate in a year-long mobility study to help clear the path for home use. Since taking his first steps in it the year prior, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Gary, along with his wife Mari and their three children, inspire all who are fortunate enough to cross paths with them. And they have continued to pay it forward and give back, reminding so many facing their own adversities that life is not defined by a single moment, but rather the moments that make up a life.
NSDQ.
If you are inspired, please share this video. If you want to help other military heroes and families Reimagine Recovery, please donate at infinitehero.org
Director: Jes Stockhausen
Cinematography: Jes Stockhausen Tim Irwin
Audio Mix & Sound Design: Bob Stewart
Executive Producers: Laurie Baker Gary Linfoot Mari Linfoot