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Disabled Kansas veteran speaks out about challenges

October 26, 2011|By Denise Hnytka | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) —

The images that come out of a war zone can never replace the experience of being there. Just ask Staff Sgt. Derek Moody.

"Unless I came out and tell you, you would never know what I have been through," he said in an interview Wednesday.

His resume includes eight years in the military, three tours in Iraq, and a list of injuries you couldn't imagine. He's been shot seven times, had both of his legs broken in an explosion, and hit by shrapnel. He can poke his finger through his combat helmet where it was hit by a sniper's bullet.

He's a disabled American veteran, no longer dealing with the physical scars, but still fighting a battle with his emotions.

"The skin can heal, but unless you address the post-traumatic stress, it can kill you as easily as a bullet can," he said.

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Moody's struggles with PTSD led him to a group called Tempered Steel. It's a nationwide group of veterans speaking out to other service members, businesses and schools about their experiences.

"What Tempered Steel is about is breaking down the barrier between the wounded warrior and the civilian," he explained.

It is an effort he says will become even more important as veterans come home, thousands of whom have traumatic injuries.

"Despite missing limbs, horrible burns, the battles with PTSD, they are still the same person that served their country. This nation should help in any way we can."

Tempered Steel offers talks to local schools and businesses free of charge. You can also support the group by making a donation to pay for travel expenses.

Tempered Steel, 16039 274th Rd. Atchison, KS 66002

(800) 294-5039 or (913) 370-0238

www.temperedsteelinc.org

 

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