Todd Love during his grad jump over Skydive Arizona – flying in the head up orientation
Todd Love’s story will leave you speechless and in absolute awe of his high spirits, drive and enthusiasm. His dedication and ability to bounce back and live life to the fullest will inspire you in a multitude of ways.
In 2010 Todd Love was serving in Afghanistan and was investigating an abandoned compound when he stepped on an IED. He survived the explosion but was severely injured, losing both of his legs and his left arm as a result of the detonation.
Immediately after the explosion Love’s Corpsman found him with signs of life and was able to revive him. After learning that his legs were gone Love asked about his teams leader Cpl. Kyle Thompson, he was told that Thompson had been hit in the face with shrapnel and lost his eye. With a humorous tone, Love called to him, “Thompson! Thompson! Hey, it sucks to be you right now!” This is an example of his incredible ability to remain in high spirits even in the most disastrous situation.
Upon his return to american soil Todd Love was greeeted by over 300 friends and supporters who clapped as the corporal arrived to Dallas Landing Park in Acworth, GA. Mayor Tommy Allegood even proclaimed April 9 as Todd Love Day.
He spoke to the crowd with a smile and even lightheartedly joked “I was up front with the minesweepers searching for explosives and I found them. I guess that’s the easiest way to put it.”
His bravery moved the large crowd and as he spoke they hung on every word, “I’m still the same man.I was a boy when I left, but now I’m man. I haven’t lost anything in my eyes.”
After his return Love spent time recovering at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After time in outpatient rehabilitation and with help from his brother Brandon he was able to pursue and conquer a variety of feats and triumphs. From playing Bach’s Solfeggietto on piano, to wrestling an alligator on the discovery channel to competing in The Spartan Race, a 10.5 mile obstacle course of ropes, ladders, climbing walls and muddy trails. Todd did this all “to prove that overcoming obstacles isn’t just something you attempt, it’s something that you embrace.”
We first learned about Todd Love through the All Veteran Group and their founder Mike Elliot. Todd and Mike jumped from a plane, tandem style together and you can see it in this video from their YouTube page.
Todd Love’s unbelievable ambition and commitment is a real life example of a quote from Henry Ford:
"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward." - Henry FordWe were extremely honored to have been able to give Todd a Life Chest of his own, his legacy is truly an inspiration for all of us. The multitude of accomplishments he has achieved thus far is astonishing and one can’t even begin to imagine what will come next.
Love’s girlfriend Amanda Sullivan has her own story of inspiration, a life of dedication and good will was interrupted by two car accidents but with some motivation from friends and family she was able to overcome the obstacles and doubts she had. Amanda and Todds story is like a fairytale and their commitment to each other is both heartwarming and uplifting.
Amanda's words of wisdom : “If I learned anything from sports, I learned that it doesn’t matter what the scoreboard reads at halftime,” she said. “It could say Sullivan zero, life 100. But if there’s still time left in the game, that means I can turn things around.”To read more about Amanda Sullivan, please visit this article on the Marine Corps Times website.
One of Todd’s friends, Brett May, has posted Todd’s personal story along with a series of beautiful photographs and this incredible video. Please visit his page to read his personal account of his hero’s story here : Brett May Photography