Thoughtful Action w/ Bryce Cherryholmes & Saul Martinez

On this noteworthy installment of Next Steps Forward, program host Chris Meek is honored to be joined by Staff Sergeant Bryce Cherryholmes and double-amputee and Purple Heart Recipient Saul Martinez. SSgt Cherryholmes served faithfully for eight years in the United States Marine Corps. During his first deployment, Cherryholmes incurred an initial back injury that became much worse over time. Due to the back injury and subsequent surgery, he received a full medical retirement and was Retired from Active Duty. After retiring, SSgt Cherryholmes underwent spinal cord surgery which unfortunately, due to complications, left him paralyzed. Today, he serves as an Ambassador for the national veteran-focused nonprofit SoldierStrong, co-founded and currently chaired by Chris Meek, where he travels across the country to educate and advocate for the use of exoskeletons to assist those with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders and to share SoldierStrong’s mission. Since being wounded and leaving the Army, Saul Martinez has been proud to serve as the Chief Program Officer of the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation in Bozeman, MT, an organization that guides veterans and their loved ones to thrive and find peace, meaning and purpose through fly fishing and other inspirational activities in nature. Martinez was inspired to move to Bozeman and work for the organization shortly after participating in a Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation (WQW) Fishing Experience. Throughout the hour Cherryholmes and Martinez will share their incredible stories of service, how the work they are doing via veterans organizations has a direct positive impact on post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones, as well as why empathy, compassion and the power of overcoming are everyday drivers in their lives.