U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Smith and his wife Tori Smith.TO DONATE:* Online: Beginning Saturday, donations will be accepted on www.steps2hope.com* Mail: Make out check to Generosity Trust; in the memo line, write: Steps 2 Hope, 1901 Central Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37408* Phone: Call Mark Wilson at 423-267-3708
When U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Smith set out on his first combat foot patrol in Afghanistan, he knew hidden explosives could trigger at any moment – he just didn’t think they’d hit him.
But before the 25-year-old Lee University graduate finished that walk, his comrades were carrying him to a helicopter, pieces of him left behind.
Since the March 8 bomb blast effects claimed his left leg below the knee, his right leg above the knee and shot shrapnel into his abdomen, Smith has endured nearly 40 surgeries and hours of sweat and pain.
With likely a year left at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Smith and his wife, Tori, have one clear goal — returning home to Chattanooga.