A Texas military veteran who served our country for nearly three decades, who was then injured in Afghanistan and went on to help improve the lives of other injured veterans received one of the military's highest honors this week!
For retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, service is her way of life. She spent 27 years on active duty for the U.S. military and worked her way to become a non-commissioned officer. But while serving in Afghanistan in 2006, Gretchen was injured in a rocket attack, suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost her hearing. The injury ended her military career.
Gretchen was devastated but found another way to serve, "Then when I started looking to help others, that was like the healing balm of everything," she said. "And when the focus came off of me and onto others and how I could help them, then that's what really propelled me into an amazing life."
A big part of that is Team Unbroken, an athletic team Gretchen founded that’s made up of adaptive athletes who take on challenges all over the world.
As she has served others, the military wanted to recognize her sacrifices, Monday Gretchen was honored with the Purple Heart!
Thank you for your service Gretchen!