Ben Seekell is an active-duty Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and recipient of the Purple Heart, which is the oldest Military Decoration and given to those who are wounded or killed while fighting the nation’s wars. The Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro
1:08 Balancing an upcoming move while still doing speaking engagements, the Norwegian Ruck March and earning the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge
2:14 Discussing Life before the military and where he was during 9/11
5:33 The fateful day of May 8, 2011 and recalling the entire day prior to the mission
8:50 How the instance on that day changed his view of the word perspective
10:54 While going through all the surgeries, a childhood memory that helped him persevere during this time
17:17 What society can do to help heal emotional, mental and other forms of invisible wounds
21:25 Can perseverance be taught and allow yourself the win
25:40 Where he gets his mental toughness from
28:17 Words of wisdom to share with other people that lost limbs and advice to their families
32:14 Unexpected sources of help that kept him going
34:00 Life starting over after May 8, 2011
34:38 Turning personal tragedy into triumph for himself and other people
35:30 Naming chapters in a book about his life
36:16 Something Ben surprisingly learned about himself since 2011 that has improved his life
38:00 Daily Ritual of a Purple Heart Recipient when feeling unfocused and overwhelmed
42:47 New belief and behavior that has helped his life most
44:37 For anyone feeling down about themselves, what he does to convey to people to live in the moment and keep going
47:07 FUNNIEST THING Ben has told a child when asked about his leg
49:39 Historical figure he identifies with
51:24 If a movie were made about Ben Seekell’s life, what would be the ONE WORD TITLE, who would play him and who would play his Dad
55:58 Three things he is grateful for
56:10 Billboard Message
Books and People Mentioned:
- Book - Courage Under Fire: True Stories of Bravery from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines
- Pastor Wayne Seekell
- 1998 GMC Sierra (Electric Blue)
- Melissa Stockwell
- President Obama
- President Bush
- Brian Williams
- First Sergeants
- General Patton
- Jason Statham
- Bruce Willis
Full Audio Episode with Chapter Markers AND Topics:
https://passingthetorch.buzzsprout.com/1946508/12511782-ep-28-your-capacity-is-limitless-with-ben-seekell
More info about the guest:
Per the book Courage Under Fire: True Stories of Bravery from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines - On May 8, 2011, Chief Seekell and his military working dog, Charlie, joined a security mission. As they returned to Bagram Airfield, they stepped on a landmine. The ground exploded, sending Chief Seekell and Charlie sailing through the air. Not aware that his leg was almost completely torn off, Chief Seekell tried calling out to members of his team. He was especially worried about his canine partner. Charlie suffered several shrapnel wounds and cowered in terror from the noise.
Chief Seekell faced a long, painful recovery. He had five surgeries, which included the amputation of his foot. He also struggled through about five hours of intense physical therapy every day. But Chief Seekell was determined to work with Charlie again. Only eight months after losing his foot, he passed the Air Force fitness test. Chief Seekell once again returned to active duty with Charlie at his side.
My Links
Podcast: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04suOPTX3ny_M0aDxmBAXQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pttorch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/