Tony's Amplife® Story

What have I been doing since the amputation of my right leg on February 9, 2018? Here are 100+ clips and photos in less than 3 minutes to show you how I just NEVER QUIT!

February 25, 1991: that fateful day when a Scud missile killed 28 of my Army unit and left me fighting for my life. I almost lost both legs right then and had been fighting to save my right leg (which never fully healed) ever since.

Unfortunately, on February 9, 2018, I underwent my 70th surgery to have my right leg amputated due to cancer and other complications.

I spent almost four months recovering at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, Texas. But thanks to relentless rehab workouts, I was actually discharged five months sooner than doctors had told me to expect for recovery.

February 25th marks my Ampuversary each year. Just over two weeks after amputation, I reported, “28 years (since that fateful day) and 71 surgeries! Still Rocking Steady.”

As Executive Director for Veterans Passport to Hope (VP2H), a Colorado veteran non-profit, I had to take a leave of absence for the surgery and recovery period. And yet, within weeks of the amputation, I made a remote appearance from Texas at the VP2H 2018 Gala Celebration back in Colorado via a pre-recorded video.

I later mentioned that I was able to wean myself off of the opioids prescribed for pain within days of surgery. I had absolutely no intention of becoming addicted and found other ways to manage my pain successfully.

In the year which followed my amputation, I experienced more adventure as an amputee than most folks with two legs, and it was well documented on Facebook.

With the war wounds I have suffered, I've been, to a large extent, serving my country every day since the Gulf War, and now continue to demonstrate my warrior attitude with only one leg.

My Ampuversary will be celebrated on every February 25!
#SuperpowerTribe #InvincibleTonyDrees