Ep. 27 IEDs, Red Lobster, and Alpacas-Marcus' American Story

In November of 2006 Staff Sergeant Marcus Wilson was seriously injured in Haditha Iraq as a result of an IED hitting his humvee.  Marcus was the only survivor.

As a result, Marcus lost his left leg and sustained massive injuries throughout his body.  Marcus has memories of being taken to the landing zone atop a tank with the sounds of bullets hitting the armored beast.

Marcus Wilson was born in the small town of Dermott, Arkansas.  His father was in the marines, and tried to dissuade Marcus from doing the same.  Marcus had other plans.  He joined the marines in 1993 at the tender age of 16 and entered boot camp after graduation at only 17 years old.

Marcus had multiple deployments to Okinawa, Japan.  It was there he heard about the September 11 attacks on America.  

He served in Afghanistan in 2005 and came out unscathed.  His next deployment, Iraq, was a different story.  The level of violence was at a whole other level.  IEDs and snipers occurred on almost a daily basis.  By the time that deployment ended, half of Marcus' platoon had purple hearts.

Marcus received two purple hearts.  His first IED left him with a couple of stitches.  A month later, Marcus was traumatically injured with a second IED.

Marcus spent 31/2 to 4 years at Walter Reed Hospital.  The first two years were in rehabilitation and the second half was helping other injured service members.

Marcus was a pivotal part of Matthew Bradford's recovery.  You can listen to Matthew's American Story here.

Marcus has found peace in hunting.  He has opened this door to other vets looking for solace.

Marcus lives on 5 acres with his wife, children, and beloved alpacas.

You can find Marcus on Facebook at Marcus Wilson on Facebook

 

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