Derrick's first time in Iraq was in 2008 out of COB Adder and second tour in Kandahar Afghanistan where he served in Panj’wai within the Kandahar province. On August 23rd, 2011 he was conducting amounted route clearance patrol en route to a foot patrol when his armored vehicle was struck by an IED.Injured throughout his entire body, Derrick spent the next19 months working towards salvaging his leg.
After continuously re-breaking his leg through PT and infection after infection, Derrick decided to amputate the lower part of his leg to avoid complications spreading into his hip where it would be too late to do anything.After recovery he was medially retired out of the Army fromFt. Sam Houston and now lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Being a Combat Engineer in Afghanistan, most of Derricks days consisted of driving around doing route clearance looking for bombs in the ground so that they could neutralize them and provide freedom of movement to our military and locals as well. When he returned home a big challenge was simply driving around. It was mentally exhausting still being constantly on the look out for bombs on the road.
Derrick’s ATF training has allowed him to work through these feelings without fear of having an anxiety attack. When the overwhelming negative feelings begin creeping in, he found solace around the self-encouragement and the encouragement from those around him fighting through similar battles. Every workout is an opportunity for him to give everything he has to overcome whatever obstacles are put in his way.
Derrick continues to motivate those around him by staying involved with ATF and will now beDJ-ing the monthly “ATF Sweatiest Hour”, a group fitness class open to all who want to push their limits and work out with the amazing athletes that make up ATF.
