Jack-Farley

Great question! I'm of two minds which gives rise to two questions. One, how can anyone paint the horror that is war? Second, and even harder, how do you paint bravery? I guess I'll just have to punt and say, like with pornography, I'll know it when I see it.

I see inspirational stories daily. One in particular involves Brendan Morocco who lost all four limbs. About three years ago, he underwent two arm transplants. He can push his wheelchair, shoot baskets (he is no Steph Curry), and is working everyday increasing his dexterity and agility.

The most significant difference is the change in attitude brought about by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). New buildings could not be built and changes could not be made to existing buildings without full consideration of the impact on people with disabilities. I think that elevated the national conscience on that issue. I think it is important not to define people on the basis of their disability. For example, I resist the characterization of myself as an "amputee". I am a person who happens to have an amputation.

Part one, absolutely. The country learned a vital lesson after Vietnam and it is wonderful to see all the support that our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are receiving. As for part two, I really can't speak to that.

I learned to ski on one ski thanks to dear friends who put up with me as I kept falling and falling and falling. They, I think, just liked to use my handicap sticker to park near the gondola. One day, I was skiing with my wife and we just happen to run into the Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. The next year, I was invited back as an instructor and I continued for over 25 years. For a brand new injured warrior, who had never seen a mountain much less skied one, the thrill of being able to negotiate a trail on his or her own carries over into all of life's challenges. "If I can do this, I can do anything."