Bluegrass Grit

2LT Josh Pitcher always knew he wanted to be a U.S. Army Paratrooper and had trained for this opportunity his whole life.

But in a twist of fate, that dream seemed lost...along with his left leg. Now at a crossroads he can retire at the age of 23, barely one year in the military.

Or he can take a more daunting path, fight to remain on active duty and get back to work leading Soldiers in combat. Being a Soldier, officer, and infantryman is a two-leggers game. Retiring due to a leg being blown off by a bomb is a statistical destiny for most.

But 2LT Josh Pitcher was determined to have it his way and avoid the fate that befell most of his comrades.