The Power of Choice: My Journey from Wounded Warrior to World Champion

by Melissa Stockwell

On April 13, 2004, Melissa Stockwell lost her leg to an IED during a routine patrol in Iraq, making her the first female soldier to lose a limb in the Iraq War. This was just the beginning of her inspiring story of perseverance and triumph. “I have had the chance to meet Melissa and hear her amazing story in person. In this book, Melissa shares insight on how she became a warrior and fought back to become the champion she is today. She is a great example of perseverance in the face of what appears to be insurmountable hurdles. Her love of country is strong and carries through her joining the military and representing Team USA in the Paralympic Games. A true champion in many ways.”—Jackie Joyner Kersee “Melissa’s story of strength and courage is not only incredibly moving, it is a must-read for anyone facing any challenge. Clearly her passion for country and sport drives every one of her accomplishments. From a young gymnast like I was, to representing the United States in Paratriathlon, Melissa inspires us all with her story of overcoming unimaginable adversity and what it truly means to be unstoppable.”—Shannon Miller Melissa Stockwell has been a restless force of nature from the time she was a little girl speeding around her neighborhood on her bike, to her tumbles and spills as a high-level gymnast and Olympic hopeful, to joining the ROTC in college as an outlet for her patriotism and love of America. After 9/11, she was deployed to Iraq as a commissioned Army officer, where she suffered the injury that would change her life forever. After a long and challenging recovery at Walter Reed Hospital, she exercised her power of choice to channel her energy into competition, winning three Paratriathlon World Championships and medaling at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Her journey weaves service to her country and the heartache of a painful divorce along with founding a successful nonprofit, launching a career in prosthetics, finding new love, and becoming a mother to two children. Along the way, she meets all the living American presidents and inspires others with disabilities—through a story that is riveting, moving, and an inspiration for anyone who would choose to live their life to the fullest.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2020

Reviews

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro. Lo sentí como una promoción eterna de EEUU y los militares, como que son lo mejor del mundo y no tienen defectos. EEUU es lo mejor de este planeta y hacen todo bien. Es muy unilateral en ese sentido y más allá de que la vida de Melissa fue de esa manera, creo que pierde perspectiva en el global de su historia. Disfruté más su historia personal que su carrera profesional.

A su vez, siento que no tiene mucho detalle. Hizo millones de cosas y superó otras tantas más, pero es todo muy por arriba y no pude conectar mucho con ella mientras solamente se relataban hitos en su vida. La parte de su divorcio y encontrar una nueva persona fue con la que más conecté, porque dejó de ser una superheroína para volverse una persona de carne y hueso con problemas más tangibles.

De todas maneras, lo disfruté y es muy motivador saber que las cosas pueden ocurrir si uno realmente se lo propone.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can not tell you how mush I enjoyed reading Melissa’s story. Her parents taught her at a very early age to make her own choices. She got involved in sports and excelled in everything she did. Pushing herself beyond her limits, and realized there were no limits. She started competing in gymnastics and was dreaming of going to the Olympics. But her family moved and although she continued to train and compete in many sports, the Olympics became out of reach. While in College, she joined the ROCT, and then 9-11 happened and upon graduation was immediately deployed to I ram as an officer in the US Army. After a roadside bomb went off and she lost her leg, she was now fighting for her life. Once she was healed , she still had dreams. Could her dreams still come true? With a lot of determination, and encouragement from family and friends, Melissa started competing again. She began coaching and encouraging others to follow their dreams and to make their choice. This is such an inspiring story of love , determination, and live changes. Learning to accept those changes and move on. I highly recommend this awesome book and thank you Melissa for your service and sacrifices, ant to all of our heroes who have served out country and fought for our freedom

[Jess Lavender Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Melissa

In the midst of the darkest of fog life threw her way, Melissa decided to charge threw harder and inspire others to do the same along the way. What a beautiful soul to follow her heart throughout all the twists and turns. The first half is not exactly eloquently written, but the story she tells throughout the entire book is one that must be remembered and shared. Just read, for anyone who is alive. An Ode to those living to the max and those who need a sentence of affirmation to propel them along. Love her, and proud that we got her on Team USA!

Even when she wasn’t “winning,” she was winning.

[Cheryl Licata · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the memoir of U. S. Army officer Melissa Stockwell, the first female to lose a limb in active combat when a roadside bomb exploded under her vehicle when she was serving in Iraq. Melissa is a true patriot and a determined athlete; she continues to push herself to be her best for her country and those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Her inspirational story is a reminder to everyone that if you want to do something bad enough you will stop making excuses and find a way to do it. In Melissa's words, "I've done more with my life with one leg than I ever did with two. I truly feel like the luckiest girl alive."

[Dani Wilk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fulfilling and engaging. Following along in the footsteps of her life on two legs and then one, page after page more gripping and more inspiring than anything else I've read before. Everyone has their own challenges, whether it be a road-side bomb or simply a rough day. This book was very much an eye-opener that if she can endure all she has, we can get through another day too. One step at a time, on one leg or two. "One Inspires Many"

[John Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an amazing story, the story of a woman determined to keep a positive attitude and succeed no matter what challenges she faced. All I can say is Melissa Stockwell has led an incredible life, so far, and I hope she continues with the same enthusiasm she has in the past. It's a great book. It starts out a little choppy and to the point (very military) but gets much better. By the end I found myself getting choked up in parts, but no spoilers. Read it. It's worth it.

[Sarah Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very motivating. She served in Iraq the same time I did. She is the first female to loose a limb in Iraq. She has accomplished so much athletically since loosing a limb. It’s encouraging to see that through it all she chose to be positive and find something she loves that motivates her and drives her to keep going.

[Kaylee Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - I don’t usually go for this type of book but Melissa Stockwell was a speaker at my work event. Her story was so inspiring I just had to read her book. She is such a strong willed, and inspiring individual. Check out her story!

Audiobook.

[Ethan W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, easy read. Definitely some food for thought on limits we set ourselves.

[Stephanie Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and tear-jerking. What a gift, this personal story of making the best of what you are given. Thank you for your service and for your amazing example!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook, memoir. A determined, athletic and patriotic young woman tells the story of losing her leg in Iraq and then becoming an athletic champion. Truly an admirable hero.

[Deb Pinyerd]

Audiobook — {7:00}

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very motivating! We have an opportunity each day to decide if we are going to move forward toward living life to its fullest.