Figuring It Out: Overcoming The Scars Of Battle Through Community And Advocacy

MAJ D.J. Skelton grew up in Elk Point, South Dakota, and spent much of his childhood outdoors. After high school, he enlisted in the Army to be an interrogator. While he was at the Defense Language Institute, one of his officers recommended that he apply to West Point. After graduating from USMA in 2003, he commissioned as an Infantry Officer. In 2004, he was deployed to Iraq, and in November, he was severely wounded in Fallujah. After a lengthy recovery requiring over 70 surgeries, he returned to the Army, eventually deploying to Afghanistan as a Troop Commander. MAJ D.J. Skelton discusses his experience suffering significant injuries in Fallujah in 2004 and his struggle to return to active service, which culminated in the command of the company he served in as a platoon leader. The interview covers the physical and mental challenge of recovering after being wounded on the battlefield.