Army Veteran's Resilient Journey Through Blindness & Deafness | TRS 032

This week on The Resilient Show, Chad Robichaux sits down with Aaron Hale, a remarkable American hero.

Aaron shares his extraordinary journey from being a Navy chef to an Army EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) tech, facing life-altering injuries, and rising above them to achieve the unimaginable. Blinded and later rendered completely deaf due to a severe injury and bacterial meningitis, Aaron's resilience and unyielding spirit shine through as he recounts his recovery, determination, and accomplishments. This episode looks into Aaron's resilience through his service, injury, adaptation to his disabilities, ventures like running marathons, and managing a successful business, 'Extraordinary Delights.' Tune in to hear a story that redefines overcoming challenges and living life to its fullest potential.

Aaron Hale, a 14 year veteran of both the Navy and Army, had deployed once to Iraq and was on his second mission to Afghanistan when an IED took his eyes and ended his operational career as an EOD Team Leader. Instead of allowing himself to become a victim, he sees his injury as an example of divine direction.

Retired Staff Sergeant Hale, never accepting defeat and always looking for new challenges, began teaching at the EOD school as he awaited military retirement. Continuing his education in finance, running, cycling, golfing, participating in a 90 mile multi-sport relay marathon, ran the Boston Marathon in 2015, and climbs mountains regularly.

In August, 2015 Aaron contracted a sudden case of bacterial meningitis and completely lost hearing in both ears. McKayla was right by Aaron's side during yet another challenging life experience. Aaron is the recipient of two Cochlear implants which he is practicing everyday to relearn how to hear. Living the “Challenge Accepted!” mind set and not letting any obstacles deter him from his goals, he has recently started a new business with McKayla. Together they have created Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan fudge and chocolate company based out of Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

We hope you enjoy this interview and, of course, encourage you to engage with us here and on our social channels.

AARON'S LINKS:
Follow Aaron's Pont of Impact Pod: https://www.youtube.com/@pointofimpactpodcast

Follow Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/

RESILIENT:
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CHAPTERS:00:00 - The Reality of Facing Blindness and Deafness 01:33 - Introduction to the Guest: Aaron Hale’s Bio 02:14 - Service and Sacrifice: Navy and Army EOD Journeys 04:09 - Adapting to New Life Challenges with Humor and Technology 05:20 - Coping with Isolation During and After COVID 07:22 - The Call to Serve Beyond the Kitchen: Army EOD Transition 08:43 - The Life-Altering Injury in Afghanistan 13:12 - Recovery and Acceptance at Walter Reed 17:06 - Setting New Goals After Trauma: Teaching and Running Marathons 24:48 - Launching EOD Fudge: A Sweet Path to Recovery and Purpose 35:03 - Aaron's Faith and Philosophical Perspective on Life and Challenges 38:59 - Conquering the Badwater 135: Becoming a Legend 46:12 - Family, Love, and Parenting Through the Lens of Resilience 50:22 - Navigating a World Without Sight and Sound: Life Skills and Tech 53:14 - What Legacy Means to Aaron Hale

#aaronhale #warstories #ResilientShow

Shawn Ryan's PETITION: ⁠https://www.change.org/p/invite-commander-ahmad-massoud-to-testify-and-cease-financial-support-to-the-taliban

SPONSORS:
Smith & Wesson: https://www.smith-wesson.com/
Vortex Optics: https://vortexoptics.com
Gatorz Eyewear: ⁠https://www.gatorz.com/
Allied Wealth: https://alliedwealth.com/
BioPro+: ⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/
BioXCellerator: https://www.bioxcellerator.com

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The Resilient Show is a proud supporter of military and first responder communities in partnership with Mighty Oaks Foundation. Learn more: https://mightyoaksprograms.org