Just in time for Father’s Day, we highlight one
retired Army veteran who struggled with his role in the family after a
below-the-knee amputation limited his mobility with daily responsibilities
around the house.
On June 15, 2012, SGT Sean Karpf, USA was serving as the
squad leader for a weapons squad on his second deployment to Afghanistan when
he stepped on a pressure plate IED. As a result of the blast, he now has a
below-the-knee amputation on his left leg, a compressed disc in his back, and post
traumatic stress injury.
After his injury, Sean faced challenges while transitioning
home to Florida, depending on his wife and two young children to maintain the
household. To be part of his family’s normalcy he wanted to share the load and
assist them with the upkeep. Sean enjoyed household maintenance before his
debilitating injuries and now wanted nothing more than to be able to mow the
lawn. To support his young family, Sean applied to the A Warrior’s Wish®
Program for a basic riding lawnmower to help care for their property.
Hope For The Warriors® connected Sean and his family to
their local Jacksonville, Florida Home Depot to choose a lawnmower and fulfill
his Wish. With the guidance of professionals at Home Depot, he was able to
identify the perfect lawnmower to comfortably suit his amputation. Hope For The
Warriors® purchased the lawnmower and
it was delivered to him by the Home Depot team members who assisted him in the
store.
With the encouragement
of his family and the help of his community, Sean overcame his physical
challenges, rejoined his family’s routine, and adjusted to his new life. And
with that newfound pride and confidence comes a brighter future. Sean is
currently pursuing a degree in Sports Science, with future goals to become an Athletic
Trainer or Physical Therapist.
Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere, including those who are serving or have served in the military. Your sacrifices and unconditional dedication to family are remembered today and every day.
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