Sometimes there’s a lot that goes wrong. In the security business, we all know things can go wrong but our clients need us to keep going and perform the very best in every circumstance. I’d like to share a little bit about a man who inspires me to keep pushing towards my goals, Bob Wieland.
Bob Wieland was a standout baseball player for the University of Wisconsin. In fact, the Philadelphia Phillies were negotiating a contract for Bob to play professional baseball when Bob decided to do something different. Bob decided to enlist in the United States Army as a medic.
In 1969, while on patrol in Vietnam, Bob’s unit wandered into a mine field. One of the soldiers in Bob’s unit was injured and Bob went out to help. Bob stepped on a land mine and lost both of his legs. Bob could have descended into despondence and self pity. Bob chose a different path.
Bob came home from Vietnam and after recovering from his wounds, enrolled California State University. After graduation, Bob became the strength coach for the NFL Green Bay Packers in his home state of Wisconsin. But Bob didn’t stop there, Bob didn’t quit. Bob decided to push himself. Bob decided to run. Yeah, that’s right. Bob, the American Hero with no legs, was going to run.
…and run he did. Bob entered the New York City Marathon and finished the 26.2 mile course by walking on his hands. It took him 4 days. He did it. Bob ran across America on his hands to raise money for Vietnam Veterans. It took him 3 years and 8 months. He did it. He finished the Los Angeles Marathon in 74.5 hours. He did it. Bob Wieland, completed the Kona, Hawaii Ironman Race…on his hands, the only double amputee to finish the race without the use of a wheelchair.
Bob Wieland always says, “my legs went one way, my life went another.” He never let losing his legs slow him down. His spirit and his drive is something that can inspire anyone to keep pushing through anything that happens in their life.
The message today is that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes there are roadblocks and trials. But we can all take a lesson from another thing Bob always says, “Always remember, it’s too soon to quit.”
Keep pushing. Keep getting better. Stay safe out there.