Former "Dirty Jobs" host Mike Rowe took a moment the day before Memorial Day to draw attention to a fan who happens to be a quadruple amputee and veteran of the U.S. Army.
Rowe said an event organizer urged him to meet with a fan backstage, but that he'd have to go to where the fan was, not the other way around.
" ' Why? His legs broken?' " Rowe said he asked.
Turned out, Travis had both his arms and legs amputated after an improvised explosive device detonated while he was serving in Afghanistan.
"He has a motto: Never Give Up -- Never Quit. He has a Foundation. He's featured in a new documentary. He also has a wife and a kid, and a deeply personal commitment to help other wounded Vets cope with their injuries. But when I asked why I hadn't seen him in any of the typical commercials and PSA's for wounded veterans, his answer was stunning. He said he didn't consider himself to be wounded," Rowe wrote."I'm not a victim, Mike. And I refuse to be portrayed that way. Case closed," Travis told him.
"That's called a gut-check, and I could use one from time to time. Especially on Memorial Day, when the biggest decisions I face are what to grill and which type of frosty beverage to enjoy. This year, as I resolve these and other important issues, I'll think of Travis Mills. A guy who went out on a limb for me, in every way possible," Rowe said.
