In this 1 Mile 1 Veteran podcast episode, the host speaks with Mark Zambon, a former Marine Corps EOD Staff Sergeant and two-time Purple Heart recipient. Mark shares his journey from growing up in a rural area in Michigan to joining the Marine Corps and becoming a law student seeking to serve veterans with PTSD and mental health conditions. He encourages listeners not to give up and reminds them that they are not alone. Mark also talks about his experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro after losing his legs in 2011 and realizing that the season of conquering had begun.
Key Takeaways
- Maintain a positive mindset and focus on gratitude, even in the face of adversity.
- Share experiences to encourage others to do the same.
- Embrace challenges and push yourself to overcome them.
- Recognize the importance of perspective and the value of being alive.
Timestamps
[00:00] Intro
[00:46] Life Before the Marine Corps
[08:27] Military Service and Deployment
[15:25] Mark’s Purple Heart Injuries
[23:13] Overcoming Adversity in Service
[28:00] Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
[38:42] Lingering Symptoms After Injury
[48:25] PTSD and Criminal Law
[56:16] Final Message
Synopsis
In this episode, Mark Zambon shares his inspiring journey of losing his legs in combat and how he learned to embrace the different seasons of life. He emphasizes that while some struggles may seem permanent, giving them time and not giving up hope is essential. Mark’s experience of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro a year and a half after losing his legs was a turning point in his recovery and helped him realize that his season of hardship and suffering had passed. He also mentions that even if something in life is permanent, such as his missing legs, there are still seasons of acute recovery and championing the injury that comes and goes.
“Things always get better, and this life is meant to be lived.”
Mark encourages listeners to shift to a lower gear and take things one step at a time, knowing things continually improve. He advises not to get frustrated over the process if you already know the outcome. He highlights the importance of having a positive mindset and persevering through difficult seasons in life. Mark emphasizes the value of sharing perspectives with others going through similar things. By participating in care and sharing their experiences, individuals can help themselves and others.
Don’t wait another day to prioritize your well-being – tune in now to receive practical tips and inspiration from our nation’s heroes! Join us on this journey of self-improvement as we learn from those who have faced incredible challenges and emerged stronger. Follow and subscribe to 1 Mile 1 Veteran on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify today and start living your best life.
Guest
Mark Zambon
Ambassador | The Heroes ProjectChad is an Army veteran, husband, father, and advocate for youth suicide prevention. He walked the perimeter of the island of Oahu to raise awareness, and will now walk the perimeter of Maui next before heading to the mainland to trek across the United States.