Outstanding Disabled Veteran to
Speak After Willow Creek Triathlon
Most people can’t imagine life without the slightest of conveniences – the smartphone, a television or car. Just think of what your life would be like without your limbs.
But that is life day in and day out for David W. Riley, National 4th Jr. vice commander of the 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans. Riley will speak about his abilities, as well as his disability, at the Eighth Annual Willow Creek Triathlon set for Saturday.
Proceeds from the triathlon benefit the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties.
After the last tri-athlete crosses the finish line, the festivities continue with food, music, awards as well as some words from Riley, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard.
While on active duty at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala., he contracted septic shock pneumococcus sepsis. He was hospitalized for three months and lost all four limbs and some internal organs due to the infection. Prior to his injury, he served in the Army from 1976-1982 as a radar repair technician with tours of duty in Korea as well as stateside. He joined the Coast Guard in 1983 and served as a helicopter rescue swimmer.
If ever there was a time for Riley to feel sorry himself, this is it, but Riley has not let this set back get him down. In fact, it has motivated him to help others.
“We feel very blessed to have this true hero as our guest speaker,” said Gregg Reynolds, triathlon race director. “I would encourage anyone interested to come hear him talk, learn his story and learn more about the DAV in general.”
Riley was selected DAV Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2010. He also served as chairman of the organization’s Convention Committee on Legislation and Veterans’ Rights. Following his medical retirement from the Coast Guard in 1997, Riley earned a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences and a master’s degree in computer science. He is a retired analyst for Gulf Coast Technical Services. Mr. Riley is a life member of Chapter 7 in Mobile, Ala., where he is membership chairman and serves as a chapter service officer. He also volunteers at the VA outpatient clinic in Mobile. He has held a succession of chapter and department offices, and was recently elected Department of Alabama commander.
“David is the kind of veteran whose visible injuries draw questions from many curious people. While this is not an easy role to step into, David has made the most of his disability by unfailingly turning his struggle into a positive and inspirational force,” said Commander Bobby Barrera of the national DAV. “He continues to serve the veteran community with the same courage and tenacity he displayed as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.”
While Riley’s recovery has been described as miraculous by medical professionals and his family, the event has not defined his life.
“The sickness is just another of many events in my life. It took some things from me, but it gave me many things too,” Riley said. “I’m definitely a better person for going through it but it is not the beginning or the end of my story.”
Riley, 50, and his wife Yvonne have three children. The couple lives in Semmes, Ala. Riley, a life member of DAV Chapter 7 in Semmes, is an active volunteer at the VA medical center in nearby Mobile.
“David Riley has dedicated his life to looking out for those in need. First as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and now as a DAV leader,” said DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson. “His selection as our Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year is equally for his accomplishments as a disabled veteran and for the great things yet to come.”
In addition to Riley’s speech, triathlon committee members are hopeful this triathlon will be remarkable in another way – they are closing in on the $100,000 mark in total donations to the two local DAVs.
“We can’t stress how important our supporters have been throughout the years,” Reynolds said. “Whether it was through participation, being a sponsor or coming to watch the event, we would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for our community.”
There is still time to participate as well as donate. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 51, Bradford, PA. Registrations will be accepted until we reach the 400 mark. You may register from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Bradford Family YMCA or the morning of the race.
Registration packets, including the timing chip, bib and T-shirt, can also be picked up Friday at the YMCA at the time above to eliminate congestion on Saturday.
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