EX-ARMY RANGER ADJUSTS TO LIFE AFTER LOSING LEGS IN IRAQ, INSPIRES EMBATTLED TOWN (9/20/04)

GRUNDY WELCOMES SOLDIER HOME ; EX-ARMY RANGER ADJUSTS TO LIFE AFTER LOSING LEGS IN IRAQ, INSPIRES EMBATTLED TOWN
RCHD000020040922e09k0000d
AREA/STATE
The Associated Press
660 Words
20 September 2004
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
City
B-2
English
Copyright (c) 2004 Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.
GRUNDY

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Heath Calhoun seems to personify the spirit and collective determination of this embattled coal town near the Kentucky and West Virginia state lines.

Less than one year after losing both legs in Iraq at age 24, Calhoun not only has learned to walk and drive on prosthetic legs, but he has also snowboarded and waterskied, and he recently cycled more than 30 miles in a single day.

Calhoun's recovery has inspired other amputees with whom he volunteers. And the crowd that formed to welcome its native son home on Saturday demonstrated he's become a source of pride to a community that has faced devastating floods and fires and emerged determined to rebuild.

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