Enlisting:  In 2002, at the age of 26, Scott enlisted in the Army.  His father was an Air Force colonel and Scott “wanted to jump out of airplanes.” His basic and airborne training began at Fort Benning, Ga., followed by special forces training. He became a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, and in 2003 his company was sent to Iraq.

 

Retirement:  In Feb. 2004, Scott sustained gunshot wounds on the right side of his face, neck and shoulder from enemy fire. The right side of his face was paralyzed and he lost hearing in his right ear. In Nov. 2004, he was medically retired.

 

Phoenix, Ariz:  In Jan. 2005, Scott and his wife moved to Phoenix where he picked up his studies at Arizona State University. Soon after, Scott had to request a medical withdrawal and sought help from the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Through group and individualized therapy he was able to process through the emotional and mental injuries he suffered from the war.

 

A New Start at CSU:  With the help of the vocational rehabilitation program and the G.I. Bill, Scott began his studies at CSU and graduated in Dec. 2008 with a degree in accounting.

 

Working in Colorado:  The Army’s Wounded Warriors program then helped land Scott a job working for the Federal Highway Administration as a programs and planning financial specialist. “None of this would have happened without the benefits offered to veterans,” said Scott. “There are a lot of veterans’ agencies and they all helped me. I couldn’t be luckier.”

 

An Invitation from the First Lady:  As an inspiration to other veterans and politicians of the importance of the programs offered to veterans, Scott was invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to sit with her (and 19 other invitees) at the State of the Union address on Jan. 27, 2010. Afterward, he was greeted by the president. The impact of that trip to Washington D.C. is still resonating for Scott. “I was glad to do it, especially meeting with the senators and nation’s leaders. I’m still digesting it. I didn’t realize what a huge honor it was.”