Meet Adaptive Athlete: Stephen Kim

Growing up in Dallas, TX, Stephen enjoyed playing ice hockey and golf. Outside of sports he was very passionate about music, noting that all three hobbies required very different skills, they all contributed to his mental fortitude, physical load, and intellect. The physical aspect of all three hobbies provided him with great insights to what it takes to succeed at something, from the minute details of which fret to place your finger on, to your grip on the golf club, or keeping balance on the ice. 

 

He graduated highschool in 2004 and enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a light infantryman with the 25th Infantry Division stationed in Hawaii. He was deployed twice for a total of 24 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2006 to October 2007 and again from October 2008 to July 2009. During these deployments Stephen served as a grenadier in a fire team, gunner, lead driver, and designated marksman. He was then promoted to Team Leader and Squad Leader. 

 

It was during those deployments that Stephen suffered from multiple IED blasts as well as being hit with a vehicle born IED, or VBIED, from about 20 feet away taking most of the blast to his head and neck area while serving as a turret gunner in a Humvee. As a result of these blasts, Stephen has gone through multiple steroid injections and spine procedures to repair the damaged areas. 

 

After almost 20 years since landing in Iraq, Stephen is still addressing the physical and mental wounds he suffered while serving our country. He credits his support system of family and friends for helping lift him up through everything and hopes that he can continue his growth after his time at ATF. He would like to use his time here to gain more mobility and understanding his new “normal” in order to be an asset to those around him and a healthy functional husband for his wife.