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Vietnam vet who walked across US on his hands honored as Veteran of the Year
Bob Wieland was recognized Friday as the local Veteran of the Year. Wieland, who lost both of his legs in Vietnam, was honored at the annual Veterans Service Awards.
While attempting to rescue a fallen comrade, Wieland stepped on an 82 mm mortar round.
"My partners were getting shot up and killed, I ran up to help them out, and I detonated a 82 millimeter mortar round. Powerful explosive!" he tells our our media partner, NBC4.
Wieland completed rehab after returning home from Vietnam. He went on to walk across the country on his hands, a feat that took him more than three years to accomplish.
He also worked as a strength and motivation coach for the Green Bay Packers and was a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He remains the only double amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.
Wieland has since become a motivational speaker.
The Veterans Service Awards were hosted by Senator Ed Hernandez, who represents part of the San Gabriel Valley. Several other veterans from various branches of the military were also honored at the event.
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