When Toby Montoya was a child, he loved the John Wayne movie The Green Berets. But when he watched it, in his mind’s eye, he didn’t see John Wayne the movie star, Toby saw his real hero, his father – a Vietnam veteran. He also envisioned his grandfather, a World War II veteran. It’s a family legacy of military service that has always inspired him. “I knew I wanted to join ever since I was a little kid,” says Toby. “Our military family moved many times – Boston, Colorado, New Mexico – and I loved the adventure of travel.” Iraq is a long way from home, admits Toby. The Army deployed him there in 2004 and deployed him again to Afghanistan in 2008. That’s where he barely survived the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED). “My head, neck, back, bladder, and lungs were all injured in the blast. I suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and continue to deal with the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” Toby has never let his injuries defeat him. He credits much of his recovery to his mother, who he says encourages him every day. And every day the future looks brighter. He plans to complete school and earn his master’s degree – all while doing everything he can to live life to its fullest. “My family taught me to give, even when I have nothing to give,” says Toby. “Kindness is free; I believe you should never ask to have it repaid. I want to be a good son, a good father, and be known for honor and integrity.”
The SCA Veterans Club is pleased to introduce Tony Montoya as our September special guest speaker under the auspices of the WoundedWarrior Project. Tony will share his heroic combat story with you as well as his strenuous rehabilitation. Don’t miss this special meeting honoring a member of our armed forces that served in the most dire of circumstances.
You should be aware your Veterans Club has been a regular contributor to the Wounded Warrior project for the past 4 years.