My name is Brian “Big Country” Conwell, and I’m a disabled veteran from the United States Army. This was my dream job as a child! My ninth year in the Army, on Jan. 7, 2014, I was going to get my men lunch when I hit black ice and skidded off a 150-foot ravine and crushed both my legs. The left was removed above the knee and the right was put back together with 30 screws, four plates, and a 10-inch rod. Doctors said I would never walk again. The next six years were the worst I have lived. With extreme depression, anxiety and severe PTSD, every day was hard. I even tried to take my own life once.

In September of 2020, I was sitting on my couch and looking at a shadow box, remembering the man I am on the inside until I got up and did something about it. This was my responsibility as a father and a soldier. So, I learned how to walk in my house and surprised my son on his 20th birthday. In February 2021, I hit the gym full time, five to six days a week.

That August, I was introduced to adaptive sports. I fell in love with the shot put and discus. I started entering competitions all over the country and have won a total of 15 medals, even playing for Team Army in the DOD Warrior Games. I got a great PR guy and several amazing sponsors. Every day, I hear from veterans all over the nation cheering me on. It's an amazing feeling.

I now have my paralympic license and play pro wheelchair basketball for the Rollin Hornets. I didn’t let my disabilities define me. I let my disabilities make me into a better man, father and husband. Now I’m helping other veterans take back their life with fitness and sports. My next goal is to hopefully make Team USA for the 2028 Paralympics.

Quotes from Sgt. Big Country
“Remember, every day look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you’re a badass and you will not let life’s negative moments conquer your day.”
“All you have to do is dig down deep and believe in yourself and you can accomplish your dreams.”