Travis Mills is one of only five quadruple amputees to survive wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The war veteran from Michigan is in Miami this week for the local premiere of a documentary that features his inspiring story.
Mills says he's proud to have been a part of the 82nd Airborne Division and planned on enlisting in the Army indefinitely.
"I appreciate the opportunity to be able to serve, and I just had a rough day at work one day," said Mills.
He describes it as rough, but that is an understatement. On April 10, 2012 Mills stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. He woke up four days later in a hospital and found out on his birthday he no longer had arms or legs.
"I calmed down and the medic was like you're gonna be okay sarg you're gonna be fine, reassuring me. I looked up and said doc, I know, I'm fine."
Mills sat down with a NBC 6 reporter at Landmark Aviation once he landed at Miami International Airport Thursday. Accompanied by his 2-year-old daughter Chloe and wife Kelsey, Mills only had a positive outlook on everything that had happened to him.
"I drive, and I feed myself, and I dress myself,” he said.
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Mills said he's grateful to his wife for all her support. The veteran also adds he is so resilient because of his daughter.
Mills' story of determination caught the eye of Fotolanthropy producers, who created a documentary about his journey. It's been screened across the country and will make its debut in Miami on Monday at 7 p.m. at the University of Miami Bill Cosford Cinema.
Mills hopes to inspire people to keep on going during rough times. He also hopes to inspire wounded soldiers.
"A lot of people like to say I'm a wounded warrior, but that's past tense,” he said. “I used to be wounded, and now I'm healed, and I'm going on with life.”
For tickets to "Travis: A Soldier's Story" click here.
