Wounded warrior J.R. Salzman recalls IED blast that cost his arm

J.R. Salzman is an Iraq War veteran and writer, and today is the seventh anniversary of the IED blast that changed his life. On Facebook, he gave thanks to his family and friends (and strangers) who have helped him along the way.

It was seven years ago today that I nearly lost my life on a war torn road in NW Baghdad. Through the grace of God, I survived the roadside bomb, but not without severe, life-changing injuries. I have done my best to persevere and not take one moment for granted since that fateful day. While I feel that I have been able to accomplish great things despite my injuries (with more planned), I will readily admit I did not get here on my own. Thank you to my family, friends, loved ones, and all the complete strangers who have opened their hearts and helped me get where I am today. I could not have done it without you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Salzman then began tweeting his account of that day seven years ago.

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413886289847402496

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413886930661568512

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413887237000929280

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413887381284999168

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413887625183760384

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413887779118923776

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413888174008434689

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413888436215357440

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413888631883829248

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413888832472240128

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413889104451891200

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413889258856792064

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413889440667275265

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413889607457980416

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413889896986603520

Recommended

Former Federal Employee Spills ALL THE BEANS on What's REALLY Going on with Fed Employees and Wow (Watch)

Sam J.

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413890190583668736

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413890625382002689

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413890980517924864

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413891179499905024

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413891516474462208

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413891882976935936

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413891945040060416

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413892073612247040

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413892438298603520

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413892616703311872

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413892867694682112

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413893038138617857

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413893153872035840

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413893357866196992

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413893451843764224

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413893835194761216

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413894127369998336

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413894290230632449

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413894437870120960

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413894661514608640

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413894866540589056

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413895064109072384

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413895276051435520

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413895665291231232

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413895914801995776

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413896145983639552

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413896448418140161

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413896681554341888

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413896929202819073

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413897269486710784

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413897523053334528

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413897715102146560

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413897825433313280

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413898044602466305

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413898729276452865

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413899530170417152

https://twitter.com/jrsalzman/status/413900168975503360

All around awesome dude. RT@StevieJWest: Hero —> @jrsalzman

— Jules (@juleslalaland) December 20, 2013

@jrsalzman It is an honor to know you. Thank you for sharing your story.

— Jimmy (@JimmyPrinceton) December 20, 2013

https://twitter.com/dani_g_3/status/413902256505757696

@jrsalzman I don't know you but you are an inspiration to all. Thank you.

— Deborah FrmHell (@DebFrmHell) December 20, 2013

https://twitter.com/EayaReynolds/status/413903919786385408

@jrsalzman that was horrific and amazing. I am beyond words to convey to you my gratitude for your service and sacrifice. May you be blessed

— Iris Webb (@iriswebb) December 20, 2013