By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
SNOWMASS, Colo., April 6, 2006 - Michael Brickert is a man of three services,
three conflicts, two paralyzed legs, and one can-do spirit that's inspired other
disabled veterans.
Brickert, 58, of Wise River, Mont., was a Navy diver during the Vietnam War.
During Operation Desert Storm, he went from being an Army Reserve drill sergeant
to pulling personal security detail. During Operation Enduring Freedom, he was
deployed with the Washington Air National Guard to Diego Garcia to serve as
first sergeant of the 462nd Air Expeditionary Group.
It was there, while riding a bicycle at high speed that Brickert slammed into an
ammunition truck that came to a dead stop in front of him. The impact broke his
back and left him paralyzed from the chest down.
But with 34 years of law enforcement work, including service as sheriff of
Chelan County, Wash., when he was deployed to Diego Garcia, and 27 years of
military duty under his belt, Brickert wasn't about to say goodbye to an active
lifestyle.
He competed in biathlons and kept himself in top condition before his accident
and remains an athlete today. This week, as he participates in the 20th National
Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here, he's trying his hand at a new
sport, fencing, while also enjoying cross-country and downhill skiing, and sled
hockey.
"Life's different, but hasn't changed a whole lot," he said after living three
years as a paraplegic. "It's not like we can't do things we used to do. We just
do them differently."
The Winter Sports Clinic "pumps me up," he said, adding that it gives him an
opportunity to interact with other disabled athletes. "I have learned so much
from them that you just don't learn in the hospital," he said.
And just as Brickert has learned from others, he's sharing his own experience
with other first-timers at the Winter Sports Clinic.
Army veteran Chris Melin, who lost his right leg in Vietnam and is here for his
first clinic, said he's inspired by what he's seen in Brickert.
"When a guy in a wheelchair sees another guy doing something, that's
mentorship," Melin said. "Mike has really helped me out. He has confidence and
endurance, and made me realize that if he can do it, maybe I can do it, too."
Brickert said there's no secret formula to living a fulfilling life with a
disability.
"Life is an attitude," he said. "If you have a positive attitude, then you are
going to have a good life."
Biography:
Department of Veterans Affairs [http://www.va.gov/]
Related Site:
Disabled American Veterans [http://www.dav.org/]
Related Articles:
America Supports You: Volunteers Make Disabled Vets Clinic a Success
[http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060406_4730.html]
'Milkshake Man' Inspires Fellow Disabled Vets, Wounded Troops
[http://www.dod.mil/news/Apr2006/20060405_4716.html]
Wounded Troops, Disabled Vets Conquer Mountains at Winter Sports Clinic
[http://www.dod.mil/news/Apr2006/20060405_4718.html]
VA Secretary Observes 'Miracle on Mountainside' at Disabled Vets Clinic
[http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060404_4701.html]
Paralympic Medalist Returns to Roots at Winter Sports Clinic
[http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060404_4704.html]
Nicholson, Wolfowitz Open Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
[http://www.dod.mil/news/Apr2006/20060403_4689.html]
_______________________________________________________
NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the official
website of the U.S. Department of Defense, at
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060406_4732.html.
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