Recognizing Our Nation’s Heroes: NWTF Veterans Recognition Breakfast
From the moments outdoors with family and friends to the freedoms we so often take for granted, none of it would be possible without the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. That connection — between the selfless service of our veterans and the abundant natural resources we are privileged to enjoy and conserve — was on display Saturday morning at the annual Veterans Recognition Breakfast. Hundreds of NWTF members gathered to honor and celebrate our nation’s heroes.
Winchester has long supported the NWTF’s Veterans Breakfast at the annual Convention and Sport Show, and this year was no exception. Jason Gilbertson, Winchester’s director of marketing, helped open the morning event by recognizing our nation’s 250th anniversary, the impact veterans have made and how Winchester has long supported our nation’s heroes. Gilbertson presented the NWTF with the Winchester Legend Award for the organization's positive impact in the hunting and shooting sports community. NWTF National Board of Directors Chairman Bryan Perry accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The NWTF then introduced Jack Zimmerman as the event’s keynote speaker. A double amputee, Zimmerman offered perspective and reminded the audience about the importance of being positive, even in the face of adversity.
He shared his story about being deployed to Afghanistan.
Zimmerman told the story about the time he learned about one of his fellow soldiers whose baby was born back home. He remembered all of his comrades celebrating the baby's weight, length and health. However, just two weeks later, he told the story about how they were working to get his comrade home to meet his new baby. The enemy set up IEDs, and his friend stepped on a pressure plate and was killed instantly.
Zimmerman said he tells that story because he does not want his friend’s sacrifice to be forgotten, and because it offers perspective.
He then fast-forwarded to the time he almost lost his own life. He was on a mission to disband an enemy weapons stash when he stepped on an IED. Zimmerman stated he literally saw his entire life flash before his eyes, from memories of him being four years old to just a few days before the tragedy.
After waking up from a six-day induced coma and having his legs amputated, Zimmerman knew nothing was going to be the same.
But he stated that he wanted to live a life that is worth saving, and that he owed it to those that risked their lives saving him.
Instead of reacting negatively, Zimmerman spoke about how when you react positively, even in the face of adversity, it changes the world around you for the better.
Every day you wake up, find the reason you want to be the best person you can be, he said.
“When life flashes before your eyes, make sure it is worth watching.”