Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, an advocate for veterans and amputees and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Tough as They Come. On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.

Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, near Washington D.C, Travis remains on the road to recovery. Every day is a battle, but Travis continues to astound friends and family alike in his progress in defying the odds with an amazing spirit. Travis lives by his motto: “Never give up. Never quit.”

In September 2013, Travis and his wife, Kelsey, founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist post 9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. The veteran and their families receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses paid, barrier-free vacation to Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s great outdoors. The Travis Mills Group, LLC was started shortly after, where Travis consults with and speaks to companies and organizations nationwide inspiring all to overcome life’s challenges and adversity.

Travis’s story has been chronicled in the inspirational documentary, Travis: A Soldier’s Story. He has also been featured on local and national news including Fox News’ Happening Now with Jenna Lee, The O’Reilly Factor with Bill O’Reilly, CNN with Barbara Starr, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. 

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicholas, Travis discusses his career in the military, the effects of his traumatic injury, and his steadfast mindset on the road to recovery. Travis also speaks about resiliency and having the ability to push through difficult times. In addition, Alexandra and Travis talk about the creation of the Travis Mills Foundation and how it is currently working to support recalibrated veterans. Through tragedy, Travis proves he is a true hero and continues to encourage others dealing with adversity stating, “Once I realized it could be done and I realized there was a future for me, I wouldn’t let anything or anyone stop me.”