The Hotwash With CJ Presents: Ranger Chris Bemiss & Army Veteran Amanda Eddie

Former 1/75 Ranger 01-07, 5 Combat deployments. Part of such missions as the Jessica Lynch POW rescue and recovery of her fellow Soldiers remains. Few know that Rangers dug with only their hands for hours to recover the remains of 8 Americans after Seal Team 6 had secured PFC Lynch in a Blackhawk. My 5th Combat tour, Jan 28th Mosul Iraq I was injured after being ejected from the turret of the Task Force Delta, Pandur I was a gunner on. Operator SFC Zaun was KIA, but only after he saved me and the others in the vehicle.  I turned to alcohol to cope and 7 May 05 I flipped my car. Ejected once again, this time breaking my neck permanently paralyzing me from the chest down and spending 19 months in the hospital. For 16 months I was unable to eat or drink due to a hole in my esophagus.  May 23 05 my girlfriend married me while still in the trauma unit.  I finally left the hospital Dec of 06 immediately turning to prescription drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. It destroyed my marriage and Jul 13 my wife and little boy left me forever. After divorce, I tried numerous times to overdose or find the courage to put one in myself. Thankfully a Ranger brother SFC Jay Granger pulled me up and got me motivated in helping other Vets. 4 weeks later Jay died on a civilian skydive. Jay's family was on the drop zone, his wife and three boys saw him hit the ground. I made up in my mind after Jay passed, I was going to fearlessly honor him and help Vets, making no excuses for myself and fighting like hell to stop the 22 a day that commit suicide. I now volunteer with Gallant Few helping Vets daily. I have also made a PTSD documentary with the All Warrior Network in Los Angeles that was released last Memorial Day. The film THE RANGER has thankfully helped to save many lives! I stopped living for myself years ago and the one and only reason I do live is to help all of my Warfighter brothers and sisters. It truly is an honor to do so! RLTW SINE PARI JAY STRON