Sgt. Roy Mitchell - The Face of Determination

Latest installment of Matt's Someone You Should Know series:

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Roy Mitchell Soldier Battles Injuries, Changes Job to Stay in Army
By Tobi Elder
Fort Jackson Leader

FORT JACKSON, S.C., Dec, 21, 2005 — Despite several injuries acquired during combat - to include an above-the-knee leg amputation, Staff Sgt. Roy Mitchell is not willing to let go of his 12 years in the Army without a fight.

“People came into my hospital room two weeks after my injury and wanted to process me for medical retirement, and they presented it to me as if I didn’t have an option,” said Mitchell. “I told them ‘no.’”

Mitchell said there wasn’t even a decision to make, because he is in this Army to retire.

“And this injury didn’t change that thought process,” said Mitchell. “I wasn’t going to accept defeat for an answer. I have never been that type of soldier and I will never be that type of soldier." [Thank you! --.ed]

Mitchell is the type of soldier who although severely wounded in combat, is still willing to be a part of the fight for freedom and the military way of life. He hopes that other soldiers will see his patriotism as an inspiration to stay in the Army.