Following a life-long interest and passion for the military I enlisted in the Army in April 2009, at the age of 19. I completed my basic training and infantry school at Fort Benning, GA, which was proceeded by airborne school.
Once my training was complete, I was station at K-16 airbase in South Korea for a year. While in Korea, I served with both American and KATUSA (Korean Augmentee To the U.S. Army) soldiers in which we trained, and guarded a high valued military installation. From there, I was stationed at Fort Drum, New York with the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).
In the spring of 2011, I deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan; there I was part of a team that regularly conducted dismount (foot) patrols with the objectives of engaging Taliban forces, building rapport with the locals, and stabilizing the area of threats through security, local villager’s trust & support, and clearing IEDs (improvised explosive device).
On June 6th, 2011, while returning to base from a patrol, I stepped on an IED that took both of my legs above the knee, and inflicted a variety of other injuries including: TBI, fractured pelvis, shattered elbow, and shrapnel inflicted wounds. I was stabilized, and ultimately underwent my major surgeries, and roughly 1 ½ years of physical rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center, TX (now San Antonio Military Medical Center).
During the rehab process, I re-learned to walk with the use of prosthetic legs, and regained complete mobility and function. In 2013, I was medically retired from the Army, and have since pursued a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University, and worked as an independent web developer.
![Ian Turtle](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131163403im_/https://seainspiration.org/images/success-stories/Ian-Parkinson/Ian-Turtle.jpg)
Sea Inspiration Experience
Sea Inspiration provided me with one of the most inspiring, and truly unforgettable experiences. Words fall flat when trying to articulate what Sea Inspiration gave me; I can mentally catalog and echo all the events that I was given to take part in, but that fails to bring to light the people coupled with each activity who made it all such as a remarkable time for me.
I got to go snorkeling with [Founder] Ray Hollowell aboard the Dolphins & You tour, and swim amongst the sea life—dolphins, turtles, fish, and more!
In addition, I was given access to Ray’s decades of experiences, and laugh along with him has he shared stories from his past.
I was given private surfing lesson—an activity I’ve never before tried on prosthetic devices—with Hawaii’s friendliest and most supportive instructors from Access Surf.
And, a deeply embossed memory comes from not just spending time with, but skydiving alongside a personal hero of mine, Col. John Bates (USMC Ret.).
Sea Inspiration has managed to bundle the most awe-inspiring place, activities, and people into one life-changing adventure.
If you are inspired by Ian’s story, please consider giving another wonderful US military member/veteran a special Healing Adventure by donating today!