Do you want to be inspired? Do you want to learn how someone overcame a life-changing accident to propel herself to be an Olympic athlete?
In this new Pivotal Moments Media Charlie Mike Channel episode of Life After the Military, Lee and Howie speak with Army Colonel (Retired) Patty Collins.
Patty shares an invaluable perspective on how she planned and conducted her transition from the Army. She highlights the value of finding a new community, taking time to spend with family and recharge, and the challenges of working in a consulting firm and pursuing a career in government service.
After surviving a cycling accident that left her as a below-the-knee amputee, Patty talks candidly about her challenging battle to recover and overcome significant adversity. Not only did she complete an extraordinary 24-year career as an Army Signal Officer, but Patty also competed as a triathlete in the 2016 Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro.
Patty continues to inspire and lead others serving as the Deputy Director of the U.S. Government Publishing Office and as a coach and mentor of aspiring competitive disabled athletes.
Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
2:03 – Lee asks Patty how she prepared for her transition
6:50 – The importance of finding and/or creating a community, taking time to settle in and readjust, and being open to finding a new purpose
8:56 – Howie brings up how much of a difference financial discipline, becoming debt free, and how that financial freedom can greatly affect a transition for the better
11:57 – Why 6 weeks is the golden grace period for adjusting to your new life outside the military
14:25 – Patty shares more about her past and current work positions, why she chose those positions, and what she learnedÂ
26:25 – Patty discusses a major accident she suffered and why she chose to amputate her leg
38:00 What motivated Patty to eventually compete in the 2016 Paralympics
41:00 – Lee talks about his experience in injury recovery, the benefits of physical therapy, and the emotional release that comes with healing
48:00 – Howie brings up the importance of claiming ownership of your situation, what it can take to do that, and how it can benefit your transition and your life.
57:28 – Lee gives Patty’s book title
59:30 – How does Patty maintain mental fitness at an Olympic level?
