(BLOUNT COUNTY) A wounded warrior from East Tennessee shot five times in a machine gun attack guesses he’s had 28 surgeries during his four-year recovery and he now faces another major operation.
“I’m not losing a leg, I’m gaining a thumb,” he said with a chuckle, sitting in the kitchen of his family hobby farm in Blount County.
The retired Army master sergeant explained in frank terms why he is choosing to have his lower leg amputated just below his right knee. Doctors will use part of his toe as a new thumb for his right hand that was severely injured in the attack almost four years ago in Afghanistan.
In our on-camera story Mr. Trost goes on to describe the day of that attack, his recovery, and an upcoming reunion with a fellow soldier wounded in the same attack. Mr. Trost also answered the following 10 questions about the impact the military had on the rest of his life.
1.What one person influenced you most in life?
Wow, that is a big question. I was always into history as kid. Herbert Hoover and Stonewall Jackson taught me perseverance and the value of working hard. My dad was a real big contributor in instilling a “never give up” attitude.
2. Do you feel honored and respected for serving your country?
I do, especially here in East Tennessee. I came from California and the reception was a fraction of the respect we see here.
3. How can people thank you for your service?
A simple "thank you for your service" is always nice. I always respond with "It's a great country."
4. How do you honor your fellow service men and women?
I’ll go to events that celebrate service or funerals honoring fellow service members.
5. How do you think this generation of service men and women is different or similar to yours?
When I first joined it was right after President Reagan was elected. It was a privilege to serve and I feel like the millennials I served with have embraced that same attitude.
6. What influence did your military service have on the rest of your life?
I’m taking some tough college level classes now. But because I’ve been tested and challenged in the military I feel prepared and confident. When you are pushed to do things you don’t “think” you can do, it helped me in the civilian world.
7. Does your family have a history of military service?
Dad was a Marine from 1957-1960. His uncles served in World War II. My uncle was shot with a machine gun after storming the beaches of Normandy in his march inland in France. He survived that shooting so I guess it runs in the family.
8. Would you encourage younger generations in your family to join the service?
Oh yes. It isn’t for everybody but I would encourage it. It is certainly an individual decision. You have to have that fire in your belly to do it.
9. How has your opinion of war changed?
I wear bracelets on both hands for two men I served with who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’ve learned you cannot do war “surgically perfect” and many times that doesn’t work. In simple terms, war is shooting people and blowing stuff up. The objective is to win.
10. How did your military experience shape your religious faith?
They say there are no atheists in a foxhole. I agree. The whole definition of faith centers on believing in “things” unseen. I feel that is similar to my experience in the military.