Ep. 24 IED Explosion-Burn Survivor, Shilo's American Story

On February 19, 2007 in the country of Iraq, Shilo Harris' humvee was rocked by an IED explosion.  Thought to be dead, he was left in the vehicle while attention was given to another soldier.  A second explosion, and Shilo awoke.  He kicked his way out of the one door remaining on the humvee.

Shilo did not realize the seriousness of his injuries, even as his clothes and armor melted into his flesh.  He was severely burned.

Shilo spent the next 40 plus days in a medically induced coma, a time he describes as hellish, black, scary and painful.  

Shilo awoke to find he had lost both ears, his nose, and three fingers.  After multiple surgeries, 50-60, he is 85% scar tissue.

Shilo speaks candidly about growing up with a father, dealing with PTSD from his own military battles.  His first marriage ended in a crushing divorce, half of his marriage was spent away in deployment, schooling, and other training.  

Shilo's biggest regret is not his traumatic injuries, but losing three of his buddies on that horrible day in Iraq.  Every day he deals with survivor guilt, but has learned to live with the pain.

Shilo's story is ultimately about acceptance and learning to love his, beautiful new life.  

And yes, he would do it all again!

Visit Shilo at shiloharris.com

 

 

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