Tomas Young was born on November 30, 1979 in Missouri. His life took a drastic turn when he enlisted in the military just two days after the tragic September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Little did he know that this decision would change the course of his life forever.
Young bravely served his country during the Iraq War, but tragedy struck when a bullet hit his spine, leaving him paralyzed. This life-altering injury did not deter him from continuing to fight for what he believed in.
Despite his physical limitations, Young decided to dedicate his life to speaking out publicly against the war in Iraq and what he perceived as the mistreatment of military veterans by the U.S. government. His courage and determination to stand up for what he believed in inspired many.
Young's story was captured in the 2007 documentary "Body of War," which shed light on his struggles with paralysis and his unwavering commitment to advocating for peace.
Throughout his challenging journey, Young found love and support in his wife, Claudia Cuellar. She became his primary caregiver, standing by his side through thick and thin.
In 2013, Young took a bold step by publicly accusing former President George W. Bush of war crimes in a powerful piece titled "The Last Letter," which was published by Truthdig. His outspoken criticism of the government's actions further solidified his reputation as a fierce advocate for justice.
Although Tomas Young's life was forever changed by the horrors of war, his resilience and unwavering determination to fight for what he believed in left a lasting impact on those around him. He may have been confined to a wheelchair, but his voice resonated far and wide, inspiring others to stand up against injustice.
His legacy lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing. Tomas Young may have been a war hero in the traditional sense, but he will always be remembered as a hero for peace and justice.
Rest in peace, Tomas Young. Your courage and spirit will never be forgotten.