Army medic's tale one of courage, determination

This Military Tale tells the story of a medic in the Army Special Warfare Training group.

Ryan Leahy came from a long line of military personnel, including Admiral Leahy who served during World War II in the Pacific. Ryan was a medic and he trained other medics, including Riley Stevens whom he had failed, forcing Riley had to repeat the course. They were in Afghanistan

One day, 10 men were ordered to take a hill, they started up, an Afghan soldier stepped on a mine. One of his legs were blown off and there were holes in his chest. Ryan was called to aid him.

As he was driving up the hill, there was an explosion, and Ryan Leahy was badly injured; he lost half of his intestines, his right foot and ankle are missing and he had burns all over his body. He is conscious.

Several guys run over to him, including Riley Stevens, who he had flunked. Riley saves his life and a medical helicopter is called in. Ryan said to Riley, "Thanks, no hard feelings, right." Later on, Riley was killed in Afghanistan.

Ryan ended up in Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He said the people there took care of him on a daily basis. When he could walk again, with tubes, rods, and a fixation device, he goes to see the boss, Lt. General Wagner. Wagner was so impressed he gave Ryan a job as a spokesman for the Army. The CEO of Burger King and others had him come and speak.

Here was a severely wounded soldier who survived.

Roger Gregory is a Vietnam veteran and business owner in Priest River.