Chad Watson
Sport:
Triathlon
Biography:
Chad joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 2004 while attending Indiana University on a Wrestling Scholarship. He was a part of the 3/24 infantry unit out of Terre Haute, IN. He drilled there while in college with aspirations of becoming a Marine Corps Officer. In 2006 Chad, with only one semester of college left to complete, put Officer Candidate School on hold and volunteered to deploy Fallujah, Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 5. Chad was attached to 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment out of Lansing, Michigan and assigned a Team Leader position.
After almost three months in Fallujah, Iraq Chad was hit by an IED while conducting a vehicle mounted patrol. Chad traumatically lost his right leg above the knee, shattered his left ankle and foot, and took shrapnel to his right eye and face in the blast. Chad spent the next 17 months rehabilitating and enduring multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
For his combat actions in Fallujah, Chad was recognized as Marine of the Quarter by his infantry battalion and was meritoriously promoted to corporal.
Today Chad and his wife Jillian reside in Port Barrington, IL. Chad is now involved in a number of endeavors to help his fellow injured veterans. Chad joined the CAF Operation Rebound team and competed in his first triathlon in Chicago that same month.
The generosity of supporters like you has given Chad the opportunity to stay active and keep competing as a member of the CAF Operation Rebound team.
How Does Operation Rebound Help?
Operation Rebound provides unparalleled sports opportunities and support to our troops and veterans of any branch of service and first responders who have served honorably and have suffered permanent physical injuries. Grants are awarded for event travel, lodging, entry fees, training and equipment.
How Can You Help?
Make a tax-deductible contribution to Challenged Athletes, Inc., (dba Challenged Athletes Foundation) a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization. To make a donation, please call (858) 866-0959, send a check to the address listed below, or make a secure payment through our website: www.challengedathletes.org.