Frank Fields lost both his legs while serving in the Army in Iraq, but he hasn’t let that stop his life. Frank spends as much time as he can with his family and doing the things he loves – like hand-cycling, skydiving, and fishing. He also helps other people as a life coach.
Foreign Upbringing
I was born in Germany and lived there for the first 5 years of my life. Around the age of 5 or 6 I moved with my father to Tyler, TX where I spent the rest of my childhood. I have one sister and brother who both still live in Germany.
One of my favorite things to do when I was growing up was rollerblading. It was a fun way to get around and get some exercise at the same time.
Joining the Army
I also decided to join the Army because of my family history. My uncle who raised me was a Sgt. Mjr. in the Army, and my father was also in the Army, serving in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam.
After boot camp, I was miraculously stationed in Germany, and it allowed me to reconnect with my mother and sister who still live in Germany. It was a wonderful gift I was not expecting the Army to give me.
I ended up becoming a heavy motor transporter, also known as an 88 Mike. I was trained to drive all combat related vehicles. I was in the Army for 4 years and became an E4 - Corporal before being medically retired because I became a double amputee during an incident in Iraq.
Life-Changing Incident
My life changed in one instant. I was driving the lead Humvee in a convoy in the middle of the night. Our vehicle was hit by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) bomb. An EFP is buried explosive device that is remote detonated. Most people do not survive EFP blasts.
When we were hit, the Humvee was instantly engulfed in flames. I tried to jump out to render aide to my fellow brothers, but instantly fell to the ground. I couldn’t understand why. My best friend was the medic on the convoy and came running to assess my injuries. They were able to pull me away from the burning Humvee while still taking fire and stabilized me enough in the field to get me to the hospital on base.
When I woke up at the base hospital it was then that I realized for the first time that I was missing both legs. It was three days after my 22nd birthday that I became a bilateral above-the-knee amputee in Sadr City, Iraq.
The Importance of Family and Staying Active
I continue to stay active thanks to my Permobil wheelchair. They are so durable and reliable that I can live my life how I want to. I love riding my hand bike, sky diving, motivating and inspiring people as a life coach.
I currently live in Texas with my wife and two children. We have a 10-year-old daughter, and 1-year-old son (and one 88-pound Bernedoodle named Lola). I am the most proud of my family, they are what I live for and the reward of life. I enjoy my time with them, especially when we’re all home and I don’t have anything else to do.
Rapid fire questions:
Favorite food?
I love Hawaiian food, poke bowls, and sushi.
What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is Spring because it is all about new growth.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would have dinner with my dad. He passed when I was 14, and I would love to have dinner with him now as a man and a father myself instead of just as a teenage kid.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Matrix
What was the first concert you attended?
50 Cent
