Warning: This story references suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — One veteran has turned pain into a passion for helping others.
Former Army Spc. Michael Blount served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He says joining the military was one of the best experiences of his life. At the same time, it’s come with its share of challenges.
For Blount, enlisting in the Army was a calling.
“I’ve always been very patriotic ever since I was a kid,” he said. “I’m the only one in my since World War II to actually be in the military, and so for me, it felt like it was the right thing to do.”
Blount joined in 2006 at 20 years old.
Three months out of basic training, he was sent to Afghanistan.
“Not even in a full year yet, but it was probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I got close to so many people.”
At the same time, during that deployment, he experienced, for the first time, a friend getting injured on duty.
“That’s your family. Your actual family is so far away that they can’t help you, and so knowing that they’re there to be, to have your back,” said Blount.