ABOUT Douglas Szczepanski, Jr.
Growing up in mid-Michigan, Douglas joined the Michigan Army National Guard in 2001 as a Field Artilleryman as a senior in high school… the same year of the September 11th terrorist attacks. His Army National Guard unit was deployed as C182 Military Police (SECFOR) unit in Oct 2004.In January 2005, after being sent to Baghdad, Iraq and serving as his Company Commander’s gunner he was severely wounded on the day of September 15th, 2005 by a suicide car bomber.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Still a piece of shrapnel in his brain
No eyesight in his left eye
Ear was blown off in the explosion
Mulitple Facial Fractures
Wrist and Hand Broken Bones
Thumb was blown off in the explosion
1st, 2nd, 3rd degree burns
During the 14th month long reconstructive process at Ft Sam Houston, Douglas found hope and strength in Jesus Christ. He went through painful surgeries and therapy always drawing close to the Lord. The times he felt he was closest to death, both on the battlefield in Iraq and in the hospital bed of Brooke Army Medical Center; the Lord was even nearer still. He now has a calling to tell of the hope, joy, peace and strength that a true relationship with Jesus Christ can bring. With a positive attitude, a never give up mentality, strong family and his faith in Christ, Douglas has overcome, persevered and endure life’s most difficult challenges and now share his story in order to inspire others, help them overcome, and create resilient Christ focused men, women, and children.
SPEAKING
Douglas is available for speaking engagements of all kinds. Using a combination of humor and dramatic storytelling, he brings a message of hope, perseverance, patriotism, and faith. Below are a few ways Douglas commonly shares his story.
MINISTRIES
Douglas shares his testimony at various ministries, youth groups, and colleges in the community. Douglas uses his story to share a message of hope, perseverance and faith in Jesus Christ.