The optimistic soldier who shows you can live life to the full despite losing a limb
Last updated 3/2/2009 1:10:34 PM
Inspiration Bud McLeroy
His story is an example to us all. William 'Bud' McLeroy has probably lived several lifetimes in his 48 years. From race car driver to firefighter and even soldier – all despite having his leg amputated.
Bud's life changed forever - but crucially didn't end - when in September 1993, he was competing in an off-road racing competition in Plaster City, east of his native San Diego.
During the race his engine died, so Bud and his co-driver pulled over to the side of the dirt road. He got out and tried to restart the engine. The passing race cars created a dust cloud that made him and his car invisible.
A car going over 90 mph struck him, knocking him off his feet and into the air. Not realising the extent of his injury, he tried to get on his feet to avoid being hit by another car but was unable to stand. His leg was almost totally severed below the knee.
Yet Bud managed to apply his own tourniquet, and then called his own life flight medevac, which delivered him to a hospital within 45 minutes. This saved his life.
After 14 hours of surgery, he spent three days in intensive care. His doctor explained that in order to save his leg, Bud would have to undergo a three-year process of reconstructive surgery. Even so, the muscle that raises and lowers his foot could not be replaced, so he would not have use of his foot.
His other option was to have the leg amputated below the knee; with a prosthesis, he would be able to walk in three months. Bud decided in a heartbeat to have the limb removed, maintaining a positive attitude throughout the experience.
He's kept his sense of humour since, joking that, "there are pros and cons to having one leg. The pro - my wife says my feet only smell half as bad."
More seriously, he says a limb does not make a person. "It's what's in your heart," he explains. "It's the drive that every man or woman has to do the things they want in life to succeed."
Despite the injury, he's continued to pursue his professional goals. After two and a half months on his prosthesis, he was cleared to return to full duty as a firefighter, his civilian occupation in San Diego, making him the first professional one legged firefighter in the US.
Next Bud approached his Army Reserve doctor to determine if he could continue to serve. He went before a medical review board and was allowed to stay in the military.
His return to the Army required will and determination but he's continued his military career. He was the first amputee to serve a tour in Iraq.
Far from seeking sympathy, Bud looks at losing his leg as the "biggest blessing that ever could have happened." He enjoys life and cherishes things a little bit more, saying he probably accomplished more than he would have had he not lost his leg.
The Army Reserve Master Sergeant started skydiving with an amputee skydive group and now jumps on his own. "I'm not running away from anybody or anything," he says. "The world doesn't end because you lose a couple of toes or you lose a leg. Matter of fact it's the beginning of life. I look at it as being more of a challenge."