Veteran Speaks About Optimism At Good Friday Breakfast
April 15, 2017 at 3:16 a.m.
Veteran Speaks About Optimism At Good Friday Breakfast
By Michael [email protected]
Eric McElvenny, San Diego, was the featured speaker at the breakfast put on by the Kosciusko Community YMCA.
McElvenny served three tours in Afghanistan and lost his leg when he stepped on an IED. During his recovery, he made a goal to compete in an iron man triathlon. He achieved that goal 22 months after his injury, he said.
As the bomb went off, he said two thoughts went through his head. First, that it was the end and he was going to heaven. Second, he thought about his wife and daughter back home.
“If those were my thoughts, that must be what was most important to me,” he said. He encouraged the audience to make sure they had the right priorities.
“Are you living your life in a way that reflects your priorities?” he said.
He thanked all the people God put in his path to help reach his goal.
One of the first things he learned was the importance of being positive — from his daughter.
When his wife told their daughter that her father had been hurt and was coming home, the girl took a step back and said, “That means Daddy will be home for Christmas.”
McElvenny said he began rehab and training, and eventually worked up to competing in a triathlon in Hawaii. The race consisted of swimming for 2.4 miles, biking for 112 miles and running for 26 miles. He almost gave up toward the end of the race, but remembered he didn’t come to Hawaii to quit.
He said he never uses his disability as an excuse. “Everyone has challenges,” he said.
He encouraged the audience to grow through their challenges rather than simply “go through them.”
The breakfast, which is in its second year, was attended by about 320 residents.
“It’s part of our renewed emphasis on Christian teachings,” said Jim Swanson, chief executive officer at the YMCA. “It’s putting the ‘C’ back in YMCA.”
Swanson said they got connected with McElvenny through the YMCA in Fort Wayne.
Matt Goebel, Christian emphasis director at the Y, said they wanted bring in an inspiring speaker to kick off Easter weekend.
“It’s an event to bring the faith community together,” he said.
This year’s breakfast had more emphasis on local vendors supporting the event. Mad Anthony’s provided the catering and Light Rail provided the coffee.
“It’s a community event,” Goebel said.
[[In-content Ad]]
Eric McElvenny, San Diego, was the featured speaker at the breakfast put on by the Kosciusko Community YMCA.
McElvenny served three tours in Afghanistan and lost his leg when he stepped on an IED. During his recovery, he made a goal to compete in an iron man triathlon. He achieved that goal 22 months after his injury, he said.
As the bomb went off, he said two thoughts went through his head. First, that it was the end and he was going to heaven. Second, he thought about his wife and daughter back home.
“If those were my thoughts, that must be what was most important to me,” he said. He encouraged the audience to make sure they had the right priorities.
“Are you living your life in a way that reflects your priorities?” he said.
He thanked all the people God put in his path to help reach his goal.
One of the first things he learned was the importance of being positive — from his daughter.
When his wife told their daughter that her father had been hurt and was coming home, the girl took a step back and said, “That means Daddy will be home for Christmas.”
McElvenny said he began rehab and training, and eventually worked up to competing in a triathlon in Hawaii. The race consisted of swimming for 2.4 miles, biking for 112 miles and running for 26 miles. He almost gave up toward the end of the race, but remembered he didn’t come to Hawaii to quit.
He said he never uses his disability as an excuse. “Everyone has challenges,” he said.
He encouraged the audience to grow through their challenges rather than simply “go through them.”
The breakfast, which is in its second year, was attended by about 320 residents.
“It’s part of our renewed emphasis on Christian teachings,” said Jim Swanson, chief executive officer at the YMCA. “It’s putting the ‘C’ back in YMCA.”
Swanson said they got connected with McElvenny through the YMCA in Fort Wayne.
Matt Goebel, Christian emphasis director at the Y, said they wanted bring in an inspiring speaker to kick off Easter weekend.
“It’s an event to bring the faith community together,” he said.
This year’s breakfast had more emphasis on local vendors supporting the event. Mad Anthony’s provided the catering and Light Rail provided the coffee.
“It’s a community event,” Goebel said.
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092