John Morley
Sport:
Triathlon, Cycling
Biography:
John grew up in Reading, MA. As a child he enjoyed playing a variety of sports including baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. John attended Plymouth State College in New Hampshire and played on the football team.
John joined the Navy in 1996 as a naval search and rescue swimmer. In 2000 he trained to become an explosive ordnance device specialist, a profession that trained him how to defuse bombs.
John deployed four times to various hostile locations in support of the Global War on Terror. On May 31, 2006, during his fourth combat deployment, John was severely injured while disarming an improvised explosive device (IED) in Iraq. His injuries resulted in the loss of his right hand and 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 40 percent of his body. After receiving initial treatment in an emergency room in Iraq, John was flown to Germany for additional care and then to the burn center at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX where he remained for three months and endured 11 surgeries.
During his hospitalization, John reenlisted in the Navy and received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions and injuries in Iraq. Upon discharge from the hospital, John married his fiancée Lori who is inspired by his toughness and endurance.
“John is not only a hero to me and a warrior for this country but he is an inspiration for those around him.”, says Lori Morley.
The generosity of supporters like you raised the necessary funds to provide John with an adapted racing bike so that he can pursue his goal of competing in triathlon.
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.