Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/546222
July 20 - August 10, 2015 10 Working World l WorkingWorld.com I n life, nothing is guaranteed and things will not always go as planned, but it seems as though these impromptu experiences lead you right to where you are meant to be, and no one knows this more so than David Booth. David had his life planned out; he would finish a career in the United States Army, go to Podiatry School, and be a foot doctor, the plan was simple, and flawless. However, in 2006, his plans were interrupted, and now David has dedicated his life to providing the help he once needed, to others. As a combat medic, David deployed three times, but in his last deployment to Iraq, the vehicle he was riding in, struck an improvised explosive device (IED) severely injuring David. Suddenly, the tradition homecoming, and carrying on with life as planned, was no longer the path David would be taking. David was medevac'd from Iraq to Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego. It took time, there was a lengthy, recovery, but ultimately his injury, eventually led to a medical retirement, and his transition out of the service became more difficult than David ever imagined it would be or had planned for it to be. As hard as his recovery was, the change from being in the Army to being a civilian was much more difficult. He found himself internalizing, and thinking that no one else understood him, what he had experienced; David felt a disconnect with the world around him. He described, "Dealing with the pain and helplessness was unbearable. Even brushing my teeth was a chore. I was very angry at the world. I felt my life was cut short. Dealing with the pain everyday. I couldn't do the things I used to." As time passed David was able to work through, and past, his obstacles, and came to the realization that his injury and time in service should not dictate his transition to, and success in, his new civilian life; it should only supplement and enrich his future. David knew that his original plan needed to adapt to his new lifestyle and circumstances. While David learned to not let his injury define him and restrict his life, he also came to appreciate the lessons he gained from the experience. David is not Vet Gets New Life Through Combat Veterans to Careers ™ by Margaret Rochon