It has been 8 years since he was injured, and Green Bay Native J.P. Lane has made the best of a terrible situation.
Lane was deployed to the Zahri District of Afghanistan with the 428th Engineer Company out of Wausau in 2010. He explained to SeehaferNews.com that his unit was responsible for doing route clearance, which saw them driving Mine Resistant vehicles along the roads, searching for improvised explosive devices.
J.P. recalled the day his life changed. “I was blown up by a 200 LB IED that penetrated my truck, and took off both of my legs,” he said. “I received 24 other injuries along with that.” Lane then underwent extensive recovery and rehabilitation and had to learn to walk again.
Lane said that one of the most frustrating parts of the process was the way people around him would treat him differently, and babied him. He appreciated the sentiment, but said “they were forgetting I’m a soldier and I’m a fighter.”
He has enjoyed the appreciation that people all over the country have given to him. Lane said a friend he met a month or two ago said something to him that has now become a part of his response to people who thank him for his service. Instead of saying that he is proud to have done it, he will now respond with “You were worth it.”
Lane cites his faith in God and his family for helping him through the most tumultuous time of his life. He remembered being in the recovery center in San Antonio Texas, and always having a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Others in a similar position would ask him why he was always happy. He told us that “I have faith, and I’m happy, and they don’t have faith, and they’re ticked off…It shows a difference in where true strength can really come from.”
Since recovering from his injuries, and being fitted for prosthetics, Lane has been living his best life. He currently lives with his wife Crystal in San Antonio and has, on multiple occasions, sang the National Anthem at Huston Astros baseball games, and even threw out the first pitch at a game this past season.
He is currently recording an album, with Grammy Award-winning Producer, Billy Dorsey, which he says should be coming out next year on iTunes, Spotify and a bunch of other music platforms.
Lane also took his unique position and used it to write a book, which he titled Walking Again. We asked him why he felt the need o tell his story. He said “I really wanted to get my story out there to inspire other soldiers and veterans…It’s very difficult to come back home and just get back into society like nothing ever happened. This book really helps show people that we can overcome everything we’ve been through.
The author will be in Green Bay on Saturday, signing books, and conversing with whoever wishes to talk. The signing will be taking place at the Pearly Gates on Finger Road from 10:00-2:00 PM. Those who do not own the book can purchase a copy, and have it signed. There will be music, and comradery a-plenty.
Those who are unable to make the event, can still buy the book on Amazon. Click here to go to the site, and get your copy today.
The story of J.P. Lane is a true inspiration. He proves that anyone can overcome anything, and still be able to be the best version of themselves that they possibly can be.
