By Matt Saintsing, DAV
Army Staff Sgt. Dustin Tuller collapsed to one knee after an enemy bullet struck his right leg. The Florida National Guard soldier was helping clear a Baghdad mansion following the 2003 invasion of Iraq when the mission was thrown into further chaos after a fellow soldier was shot at point-blank range.
While the team breaching the building was methodically searching room to room, enemy machine gun fire continued to rain on Tuller, a first-time participant at the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic and DAV life member of Chapter #125 in Pensacola, Florida.
“The next thing I knew was a second bullet had hit and spun me around,” he said. “That got my adrenaline pumping.”
The round entered his abdomen, tearing his intestines. However, it was the constant barrage of bullets tearing his legs that caused extensive damage.
“A doctor at the hospital said, ‘There’s probably 200 bullet holes,’” recalled Tuller, a father of six. “My legs were just minced meat.”
It was two days before Christmas in 2003.
Doctors amputated his legs, one to the hip and the other to the knee. Tuller credits his survival to members of his unit who acted quickly to provide lifesaving care.
While recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the following year, a new battle emerged, this time in his psyche. A long span filled with tough days culminated with a suicide attempt. However, he has since received the proper care.
Today, Tuller remains a fierce survivor and thrives off competition. He’s competed in several marathons using a handcycle—a bicycle powered by the arms instead of legs.
While he’s covered some rough ground, he’s more than prepared to hit the links.
“I thought I’d try something different,” said Tuller. “I have no idea what to expect, but I’m ready for it.”
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