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Wounded warrior inspires Shaw

  • Published
  • By Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Scott Stephenson and his mother Luana Schneider came to speak about resiliency and the story behind Stephenson's scars at the airman leadership school, Aug. 29 here.

While on his first deployment, Stephenson was injured in Iraq while on a convoy, and suffered third and fourth degree burns on 66 percent of his body after being set on fire from a roadside bomb.

During his journey back to the U.S., Scott died twice in the arms of his medic. He endured 64 surgeries to regain his health and now wears a prosthetic leg to help him live a more normal life. Stephenson suffers from traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress disorder and anger issues.

Although his prosthetic makes day to day living easier, he is quickly angered by the judgmental looks he gets from people who do not understand the sacrifice he has made. Although he lives with his frustration, he finds solace in the love and support he receives from his mother who works with him to change the lives of others like him through Tempered Steel.

Stephenson and Schneider founded Tempered Steel, a public charity that educates people with stories of the lives from wounded warriors and how resiliency has helped them to move on. Not only does Tempered Steel educate the public on the stories behind the scars, but it offers support to others like Stephenson, and helps them to persevere in life with a positive attitude.

According to Stephenson, the experience was physically and emotionally traumatic to him and his family, but he explains that he would do it all over again if he could, even with knowing the outcome. Stephenson is extremely proud of the Army and of his unit. According to Scott, the scars have become a symbol of that pride, rather than of suffering because it has made him a better person.

"You don't know what you can go through until you're put through it," said Stephenson. "It made me a better person."

Not only does Tempered Steel tell the stories of wounded warriors, but they advise military servicemembers to ensure the well-being of families and friends as well.

According to Schneider, it is possible for others to suffer from second-hand post traumatic stress disorder after their servicemember has been to war.

"If you see a family member or a friend struggling, you need to get them to the help they need," said Schneider. "PTSD and traumatic brain injuries are the biggest precursors for suicide. We lose too many (at war) to lose this many at home."

Throughout this visit, Stephenson stressed the importance of being positive to overcome anything that comes your way.

To his and his mother's relief, Scott is no longer the same person that he once was. Formerly enamored by every mirror, he has become compassionate towards others and sees people now for who they are inside, rather than being fixated on the exterior.

"You can go through anything, and your attitude will determine the outcome," said Stephenson.

For more information on Tempered Steel go to their website at www.temperedsteelinc.org.