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Meet Adaptive Athlete: DERRICK MEIS

 

 

SPC DERRICK MEIS

US ARMY, RET.

 

DOB: August 17th, 1973

DOI: 1997 (Injury)  /  May 2019 (Amputation)

PATHOLOGY: Below Knee Amputee

Derrick Meis

SPC Derrick Meis, US Army, Ret. was raised in Garland, Texas alongside his twin brother and older sister. Growing up, he played football and enjoyed rodeo life, competing in bull riding and steer wrestling. Derrick fell in love with his high school sweetheart and they married following their graduation in 1991.

In 1995, Derrick enlisted in the Army as a combat engineer specializing in heavy equipment operation. While training for the Gulf War, Derrick was injured in a training exercise. He underwent surgery to repair his knee, but the surgeon accidentally cut a nerve in his leg, causing him to have a permanent drop foot. This led him down a long road of medical issues and Derrick ultimately opted to have his leg amputated after 21 years of struggling with his leg.

After being sedentary for around five years due to multiple surgeries and recoveries, Derrick was fortunate to receive his service dog, Goose, through a local organization and his confidence immediately grew with Goose by his side. Derrick enjoys spending his time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. His goals are centered around trusting his prosthetic foot, especially on uneven and slick ground. This will give him the freedom to get back to doing what he loves. Derrick is also training for a 100 mile one-day bike ride in the blazing heat in August.

 

SPONSORED BY:

Hamon Charitable Foundation