Today we honor Veteran Brian Conwell. Brian served and he survived the dangers of serving overseas in Europe and the war in Iraq, but it was one day in Kansas while stationed at Ft. Riley that changed his life. While driving he hit black ice and his vehicle left the road and crashed down a 150 foot ravine. The accident crushed both his legs. He lost he left leg at the knee and wears a brace on his right. Depressed, feeling sorry for himself and PTSD was not a good combination for Brian and for several years he struggled. It wasn’t until he decided to reinvent himself as Brian “Big Country” Conwell tha he started living again and inspiring. He’s walking again and even competing in adaptive sports, like wheelchair basketball. Brian says his physical challenges actually make him better, inside and out. Thank you for inspiring Brian and THANK YOU for your service.
After 6 years of what he called “self-pity”, Conwell got out of his wheel chair and became known as Brian “BIG COUNTRY” Conwell.
He learned how to walk again. It was his life lesson. He learned, “If you work hard enough and believe in yourself, you can make it happen. Like my shirt says,” explained Conwell, referring to his tailor-made tank top with a slogan, “My disabilities are my superpowers. They actually pushed me to be better both inside and out.”
He began competing in adaptive sports, like discus, wheel chair basketball and other sports. Conwell’s “ink” or tattoos, help him tell his story of overcoming mental and physical obstacles.
Conwell said, “I had ‘soldier’ tatooed on my knuckles and a hash-tag to always be a reminder of where I’ve come from.”
One of his favorites is a tattoo on his right wrist. “It’s the United States Flag coming out from underneath the skin. The warrior ethos means very much on not ever giving up, not quitting.” That’s his message for anyone living with physical disabilities or depression. His life is his testimony. “My disabilities have made my life absolutely amazing,” said Conwell.
Brian Conwell is now 44 years old. He plays for the “Roland Hornets”, Charlotte’s professional wheelchair basketball team.
