In 2007, Travis Wyatt was working as a building inspector when his industry was hit hard by economic downturn. With the support of his wife, Teea, Travis enlisted in the Navy and found a new purpose.

“I chose the Navy because I wanted to serve in the same branch as my grandfathers and uncles. In October 2009, I went to Navy Bootcamp in Great Lakes, IL.” Throughout his time in service, Travis earned numerous awards for his deployments and work as a Navy recruiter.

On July 12, 2020, Travis was serving in San Diego aboard the USS Fitzgerald as the Officer of the Deck when the ship across from his caught fire. An explosion on the neighboring ship exited directly at Travis, slamming him against the bulkhead and causing him to lose consciousness.

“After, I went into auto pilot, not remembering much after the fact. To this day, it’s spotty with the order of time and what happened.”

As doctors were treating Travis for his traumatic brain injury, they made a life changing diagnosis: Travis had ALS.

With the disease rapidly progressing, a once healthy Travis was soon reliant upon a wheelchair. “I became a professional patient, going from appointment to appointment, losing track of days, myself, day to day living, leading to suicidal ideations.”

In 2022, Travis found new ways to heal, first through his service dog, Leno, and when he discovered adaptive sports. “Leno and getting to participate in adaptive sports have truly saved my life!”

Through it all, Travis’ wife, Teea, has been by his side. “Good days and bad, my wife is my biggest supporter to keep going.”

Today, Travis is working towards qualifying for the USA Para Archery Team with the goal of representing the United States in the 2028 Olympics. Along the way, he hopes to coach other adaptive athletes to pass along the lessons he has learned.

“I'm living life as best I can with the daily challenges since my injuries; keeping myself moving while my body still allows me too.”

Through it all, Travis continues to inspire his fellow veterans.

“The best advice that I share with veterans is that our struggles are valid and you are going to have really hard days and days that are not as bad. Have your safeties in place, coping skills, learn your limits before getting overwhelmed. Be willing to take a chance to challenge yourself.”