Leslie Smith

After 11 years in the military and two tours of duty in Bosnia, it wasn't an explosion that threatened Leslie Smith's life — it was the blood clots. Doctors gave her just hours to live. Although she lost her left leg and eyesight, Leslie refused to give up. Her never-quit attitude, however, didn't diminish the guilt and shame she felt for surviving and being sent home without a combat injury. The trauma was overwhelming, and she isolated herself from the world.

Leslie credits opportunities that WWP provided and the help she got from fellow warriors at the Soldier Ride^® with helping her turn her trauma into triumph. Today, Leslie mentors other warriors and helps them rediscover their own self-worth.