“I just wanted to die.”
– Chris Aguilera, War Veteran and Disability Champion
Life presents many challenges, but few compare to the ones that Chris Aguilera faced. He was an Air Force Sergeant posted in Nevada. His career spans almost two decades. Sergeant Aguilera also served in Afghanistan. It was there that he encountered a horrific injury.
Surviving a Near Death Experience
“It was June 9th,” recalls Chris. He had successfully completed two missions. However, the third mission proved to be treacherous. His helicopter faced heavy enemy attack during a rescue operation. The shot took out their tail rotor and they ended up spinning uncontrollably. Ultimately, they hit the ground from 150 feet in the air and at 120 Mach force. Four of Aguilera’s teammates died on impact. Chris barely escaped.
Chris broke almost every bone in his body and experienced severe trauma — back broken in five places, broken ankle, femur, ribs, jaw, collarbone, severe burns and traumatic brain injury. It took over 21 surgeries and 5 months in the hospital to recover. “It was one of the toughest moments of my life,” admits Chris. He endured months of despair. His doctors were unsure whether he would ever walk again.
Turning Disability into Super-Ability
Sergeant Aguilera gradually began pushing himself to overcome his limitations. “I realized that I am going to die someday, but not today,” recalls Chris. He choose to live. And what a life it has been for him since then. He actively shaped his mind and body back to top fitness. So much so, that he was able to return to work after just one year.
Chris wanted to end his military duty on a high note. He undertook one final mission to Africa. “It was one of the best moments of my military career, and I’m happy to say it was my last one,” excitedly described Chris. He has achieved much more than even able-bodied soldiers. Chris chose to strive. He was more than his disability.
Winning Gold
Chris developed persistent balance problems after his war injuries. He enrolled at the FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center located in Las Vegas. His trainers helped him achieve balance and perfect his spin technique. Sergeant Aguilera set his goals to train for the Invictus Games and Warrior Games. The Invictus Games is similar to the Paralympic Games. It’s an international multi-sport competition for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans created by His Royal Highness Prince Harry.
“It is the biggest honor I’ve ever had,” says Chris. His training and determination helped Chris blaze to championship. He won gold and silver in discus, shot put and meter sprint.
Chris shows us that we can achieve great things when we strive to do the things most uncomfortable.
