In 2016, Cars for Our Troops is honored to support Marine Staff Sergeant Liam Dwyer. Liam Dwyer was in college when terrorists attacked the USS Cole in October 2000. As soon as he learned the horrific details, he immediately met with a recruiter and subsequently joined the Marines. He deployed twice during his military career - first to Iraq in 2006 and then to Afghanistan in 2010.
During his second deployment he served as a civil affairs specialist with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. On May 21, 2011, Marine Staff Sergeant Dwyer was on patrol searching a compound when he stepped on a 30-pound improvised explosive device (IED). The blast traumatically amputated his left leg and severely damaged his remaining limbs.
He endured more than 50 surgeries in the following four years at Walter Reed Medical Center. During his recovery there, he met his fiancée Meghan Crow.
Before his 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, Dwyer's most cherished possession was a souped-up Nissan 350Z, which he often drove in rally races and autocross events. But after sustaining his injuries, doctors informed him that he would never again use a clutch, since he now lacked the ability for feel the pedal beneath his foot. The ever-determined and optimistic Dwyer then set out to prove them wrong, and once again, shift gears with ease.
Now medically retired, Liam races cars for Mazda. He says racing and
driving were his biggest motivators during recovery. When he retires from racing cars, Liam would like to finish a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Even though Liam successfully drives around a speedway, navigating his current home is an obstacle. There is not enough space for him to use his wheelchair, and it is a challenge for him to climb the stairs. The open floor
plan and wide doorways in a one-level Homes for Our Troops home will eliminate these issues for Liam.
Originally from Connecticut, Liam is choosing to live in Florida for the warm weather, healthcare, and support system of family and friends he has in the state.
Liam says being award a mortgage-free specially adapted home will allow Meghan and him to pursue their dreams. "The possibilities will be endless
in this new home," he says.
During his second deployment he served as a civil affairs specialist with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. On May 21, 2011, Marine Staff Sergeant Dwyer was on patrol searching a compound when he stepped on a 30-pound improvised explosive device (IED). The blast traumatically amputated his left leg and severely damaged his remaining limbs.
He endured more than 50 surgeries in the following four years at Walter Reed Medical Center. During his recovery there, he met his fiancée Meghan Crow.
Before his 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, Dwyer's most cherished possession was a souped-up Nissan 350Z, which he often drove in rally races and autocross events. But after sustaining his injuries, doctors informed him that he would never again use a clutch, since he now lacked the ability for feel the pedal beneath his foot. The ever-determined and optimistic Dwyer then set out to prove them wrong, and once again, shift gears with ease.
Now medically retired, Liam races cars for Mazda. He says racing and
driving were his biggest motivators during recovery. When he retires from racing cars, Liam would like to finish a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Even though Liam successfully drives around a speedway, navigating his current home is an obstacle. There is not enough space for him to use his wheelchair, and it is a challenge for him to climb the stairs. The open floor
plan and wide doorways in a one-level Homes for Our Troops home will eliminate these issues for Liam.
Originally from Connecticut, Liam is choosing to live in Florida for the warm weather, healthcare, and support system of family and friends he has in the state.
Liam says being award a mortgage-free specially adapted home will allow Meghan and him to pursue their dreams. "The possibilities will be endless
in this new home," he says.
