 Major David
Rozelle serves
as a true
inspirational hero
for American
soldiers injured in
recent conflicts
abroad.
While in Iraq,
commanding
140 troops of
the 3rd Armored
Cavalry Regiment,
Rozelle lost part
of his right leg
when a landmine
exploded under his Humvee.
After rehabilitation as a below-the-knee
amputee, Major Rozelle made the decision
to return to active duty — the first American
soldier to do so in modern times. Now having
completed a second tour in Iraq on a prosthetic
leg, Rozelle is helping his fellow injured soldiers to
reclaim an active lifestyle, working at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center. He strongly believes in the
healing power of sports to help accomplish his
new mission.
After participating in the 2004 San Diego
Triathlon Challenge, Rozelle became a proud
supporter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. He
also serves as a role model and mentor in CAF’s
Operation Rebound program.
Most recently, in 2006, Rozelle conquered
not only the Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene
Triathlon, but the Ford Ironman World
Championship in Kona — an important goal he
set for himself to prove that he’s not only “back
in action,” but back with a purpose.
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 Sarah was born “different.” Her left leg deformed by a condition called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), Sarah wore a stiff, cumbersome leg brace until she was 7. At that point, the decision was made to amputate.
After the operation, Sarah tried to be like all her friends: She was a Brownie. She was a great student. She had a smile that lit up a room. But she could never overcome being "different.” And nowhere was that more apparent than in gym class. She came in last on field day. She was picked last for teams. Teachers and coaches refused to include her in regular play with the other kids. Instead, Sarah would kick a ball against the wall. Alone.
Life changed for Sarah when, at age 11, she competed in her first disabled track meet. Sarah lined up next to other girls missing limbs. When the gun went off for the 100-meter dash, she ran hard and finished first. For the first time, she experienced the thrill of competition — and of winning. Her life would never be the same.
Today, Sarah focuses on triathlons, where she has broken new ground and gone where no amputee woman has attempted before — the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii (a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run). This year, Sarah became the first woman to finish this grueling test on an artificial leg, finishing in a remarkable 15:05.
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