The city of Coronado and its citizens enjoy a deep and personal connection to the United States military, and in particular, the Navy SEALs. The Navy’s principal special operations force is based here, and has produced some of the most decorated members of the U.S. military. Retired SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman began his naval career in Coronado while training to become a Navy SEAL and spent 11 years as an enlisted SEAL before going on to graduate from Old Dominion University in Virginia. He was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer in May 2004. Just three years later, while serving in Iraq, Redman was severely wounded, an event that would forever change the course of his career and his life. Redman’s recently released memoir The Trident tells the story of his SEAL career, his wounding and the events surrounding his recovery, and the path he took towards inspiring and empowering other wounded warriors like himself to “rediscover the hero within.”
Redman was wounded in September 2007 in Fallujah, Iraq while acting as Assault Force Commander during a mission to capture a high value Al Qaeda operative. Redman’s team came under heavy fire, and during the 35-minute firefight that ensued, Redman was struck twice in the arm and once in the face and was left critically wounded. He ultimately underwent 37 reconstructive surgeries over the course of the next several years to repair the damage caused by his injuries. Early on in Redman’s recovery, he placed a sign on the door of his hospital room at Bethesda Naval Medical Center. The sign was a statement from him and for all wounded warriors, saying that others should not feel sorry for his wounds, that he would recover to the fullest and that he would make the sacrifices made in the name of freedom known to all. During his time at Bethesda, Redman was awarded the Purple Heart. His other military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), and Combat Action Ribbon (two awards).
In 2009, Redman founded Wounded Wear, a non-profit organization born out of experiences from his own recovery that provides clothing and clothing modifications to wounded warriors, conducts empowerment events throughout the country, and raises the national awareness of the sacrifices made by the wounded, their families, and families of the fallen.
Redman retired from the Navy in August 2013, after nearly 21 years of service. The following November, The Trident was released. In his book, Redman shares his life as a SEAL as well as the never-say-die spirit he clung to as he tirelessly worked to re-empower himself and his wounded brethren. Redman now spends his time leading Wounded Wear, as well as traveling across the country as a motivational speaker, sharing the message of his journey to overcoming enormous obstacles in the face of great adversity.
Redman will conduct a book signing at Bay Books in Coronado (1029 Orange Avenue) on Saturday, January 25 from 3-5 p.m. For more information about Jason Redman, visit www.JasonRedmanWW.com. To learn more about Wounded Wear and how you can help support wounded warriors across the country, visit www.WoundedWear.org.
———-
Mary Douglas
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
Have a story you want to share? Contact us.
