Wisconsin Army veteran surfs decades after leg amputation

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (WBAY) - A local Army and Air National Guard veteran is inspiring others after surfing for the first time, nearly four decades after getting his leg amputated.

Rodney Johnson, 62, from Athelstane, served during the Cold War from 1979 to 1986. After he came home, he was hit by a drunk driver in a car accident, shattering both of his legs.

He later had a bone infection, leading to his right leg getting amputated above the knee. Johnson said he lost interest in sports but after participating in wheelchair and adaptive sports, his love came back.

Last weekend, at the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, he showed himself and others he can do anything he sets his mind to. He encourages veterans who are also struggling to get out of their comfort zone.

“The worst thing that can happen is you don’t like it. The best thing that can happen, it’ll change your life. It’ll get you out of the house. It will get you doing things you had no idea you’d be able to do,” said Johnson.

Johnson emphasizes that his disability, as well as others’, don’t define them. He receives care at the Iron Mountain VA.