Deaf From A Military Explosion: Gretchen Evans, Decorated Female Veteran

Texas native Gretchen Evans is one of the most highly decorated female veterans who held leadership roles in multiple combat engagements in her 27 years in the Army, including overseeing more than 30,000 ground troops in Afghanistan. She worked her way up to Command Sergeant Major – the highest rank an enlisted soldier can achieve. While serving in Afghanistan in 2006, CSM Evans’ world changed in a millisecond when a rocket blast caused her debilitating injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, and the loss of all hearing.

With the help of her guide dog, her “rope team” of friends and supporters, and a healthy dose of grit, CSM Evans navigated her way through a changed life. In 2019, CSM Evans founded Team UNBROKEN, a mixed ability athletic team and competed in the World’s Toughest Race, currently airing on Amazon Prime. Gretchen is a nationally known motivational speaker and has been featured on the Megyn Kelly Show, the Today Show, and CBS’ Courage in Sports. Recently, Gretchen received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2022 ESPY Awards.

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