A New Beginning: Marine Corps Veteran Thrives After Traumatic Injury

PHOENIX (February 12, 2026) — One day shy of his 22^nd birthday while on leave from training as a U.S. Marine, Todd Kemery took to the waves for some surfing at Newport Beach, California. A day of enjoyment took a life-changing turn when he dove into the water to rinse off and suffered a broken neck when a wave hit him.

Todd’s spinal cord injury left him as a quadriplegic, but did not take his spirit from him. That’s when his new life began. Pushing aside his struggles with depression, Todd graduated from Liberty College with the support of a Department of Veterans Affairs education grant. After graduation he moved to Minneapolis, a wheelchair-friendly community in Minnesota, to work for some college friends. He not only found purpose, but a love for wheelchair sports that led to a leadership role with Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Please watch this new Inspiring Stories video showing how a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran is thriving in his new chapter in life.

A New Beginning: Marine Corps Veteran Thrives After Traumatic Injury on Vimeo

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