Tristan Wyatt (left), VA San Diego Chief of Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service, talks to Veteran John Dunn
Sedona AZ (November 7, 2013) – It is so fitting that the song that will be sung so many times on Veterans Day ends with “…and the home of the brave.”
Here is just one story of a brave Veteran who has come through a lot and is now dedicating himself to helping other Veterans.
Tristan Wyatt served in the Army, fought and was wounded in combat, joined the VA and has risen to be the Chief of Prosthetic and Sensory Aids for the VA San Diego Healthcare System — all by the age of 31.
Wyatt enlisted in the army after 9/11 in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center and Washington. He was part of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment involved in operations in the Sunni Triangle spearhead after the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
During an early morning combat operation, Wyatt and his squad were ambushed by insurgents. While fighting his way out of the situation, he and two other service members lost a leg.
Always maintain honor and discipline.
He describes his emotions after his injury. “The most difficult part was not accepting the injury itself, but accepting the fact that I would have to live my life differently. At that point in my life, I was completely in love with the military, the travel and the lifestyle. When the injury occurred, it was a violent and messy way to separate me from a profession that was incredibly meaningful to me.”
Wyatt spent over a year recovering and rehabilitating from his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Vietnam Veteran
Tristan then went to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Veteran Information Technology Program. After two years in the Technical Career Field program, he was named chief of prosthetic and sensory aid service for VA San Diego Healthcare System. His current duties include directing his department strategically, managing people, budget and resources.
The VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) has become a world leader in prosthetic and rehabilitation through an integrated delivery system designed to provide prostheses, sensory aids, assistant aids and repairs to disabled Veterans to help treat their medical conditions.
Tristan defines his mission at the San Diego VA Medical Center as, “promoting Veteran independence.” He would like to move higher in the VA in terms of leadership. “It is a great organization with a great mission and I would like to have the biggest positive impact possible.”
A native of Parker, Colorado and a fan of the Steelers and the Chargers, Tristan enjoys four-wheeling in his Jeep, camping and target shooting.
When asked what encouragement he would give other Veterans, Wyatt says, “Always maintain honor and discipline.”
Wyatt will spend time on Veterans Day remembering his personal heroes, Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon. “They paid the ultimate price so others could live. I believe their actions embody the spirit of the American soldier.”
On America’s approach to Veterans Day, he adds, “I think Americans do a fantastic job of honoring our Veterans. I am proud of everyone for that.”
Find Veterans Day activities in your community and say thank you.
This SedonaEye.com article written by Hans Petersen, VA Staff Writer.
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What does lack of response indicate?
Hoo Ah Mr. Wyatt,
I salute the efforts of Mr. Wyatt!
Will history reveal that our common citizen will never fully appreciate the sacrifices that our Armed Forces men and women do for our country as they sacrifice life and limb doing what they do better than anyone else?
This could be true since the average citizen will never know what it is to serve in a combat zone ….. it’s not a pleasant experience and when you look at where this country is going and, as a veteran, I often ask the question “was it worth it?”
Seems like other topics trump what this man and many other veterans continue to do to serve our country.
The SedonaEYE.com might invite veterans to share their stories with their readership. Maybe these stories will awaken those that have no skin-in-the-game as to the cost of our unique freedom that we are quickly loosing!
Gary Chamberlain
Cornville AZ
Vietnam veteran
absolutely awesome!
Shared this article on Facebook.
Hey Gary, with all due respect for your observance of lack of comments under this particular article, from my perspective my own interpretation of paying homage was by having my late husband’s name added to the memorial dedication park in City of Sedona. May all of those folks who have acknowledged our loved ones be blessed by knowing that it wasn’t necessary to run up volumes of comments online.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
‘Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?’
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
‘no, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
‘Step forward now, you Soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.’
~Author Unknown~