Risk Management Magazine

As the transition to my next duty assignment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, neared, I decided to take the family on a vacation to Orlando, Florida. We all had busy schedules at home and were excited to finally take a break. So, we packed our bags and headed down I-95 South to Walt Disney World.

Have you ever wondered how a Soldier feels after coming home from a deployment in a country like Iraq or Afghanistan? After living in dangerous and demanding conditions for a year or more, some of us feel incredibly strong — almost invincible. That feeling of invincibility got me into a dangerous situation one winter.

I had just filled up my car and eased back onto Interstate 40 when I spotted a smoking mass of twisted metal ahead. I safely pulled my company truck to the side of the road, grabbed the fire extinguisher from the back and ran to the vehicle.