Meet Adaptive Athlete: Eddie Wright

Eddie was born in Chicago and was raised in Seattle, WA. Growing up, he loved playing rugby for both the physicality and the camaraderie. He graduated from high school in 1993. His father served in the Air Force which sparked Eddie’s interest to serve as well. Eddie enlisted in the Marine Corps at 25 years old.

 

His service began as an infantryman where he was deployed to Okinawa and Iraq. Then in 2003, he became a Reconnaissance Marine and was deployed once again to Iraq. On April 7th, 2004, while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, Eddie was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. His injuries were extensive, but ultimately he walked away with a drop foot on his left leg and both arms amputated below the elbow.

 

After his injury, he became the first bilateral arm amputee to be an instructor at TBS Quantico until his retirement in 2006. Although he was able to continue his service, he still had to learn to adapt to life without hands. He took the challenge head on and became a stronger, more resilient version of himself.

 

During his time at ATF, Eddie is looking to shake up his routine and form new healthy habits. Beyond getting in better shape, he wants to retrain his brain and be aware of the impact of his thoughts, focusing on the positive and finding gratitude in all situations.