War Took His Legs. Not His Life. | Jason Smith

Jason Smith is a retired U.S. Army infantry sergeant who lost both legs after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan in 2012. 

What followed wasn’t just survival—it was a complete rebuild.

From months of rehab in Texas to refusing prosthetics, to eventually relearning how to walk, Jason had to let go of who he was to become someone new. Along the way, he faced PTSD, setbacks, and moments that nearly broke him—but kept choosing forward.

Today, he’s a father of two, lives on a farm, and serves veterans through Catch A Lift Fund—helping others rebuild through fitness, community, and purpose. He’s also a USPA National Bench Press Champion, competing and winning against able-bodied athletes.

This is a story about identity, resilience, and what happens after everything is taken from you.

Thank you to our sponsors

Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT”

Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/ Code "RIDEOUT"

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Jason Smith

(00:20) Growing Up and Enlisting

(01:29) Boot Camp Reality Check

(02:39) Stationed in South Korea

(05:48) Fort Lewis and Deployment Prep

(07:08) Training for Combat

(11:15) First Missions and Fear

(15:47) First Contact and Loss

(20:14) Pinned Down and Enemy Tactics

(23:44) The IED Blast

(29:04) Evac to Kandahar and Germany

(32:25) Texas Rehab and Prosthetics

(38:26) Learning to Walk Again

(39:22) High Tech Prosthetics Costs

(40:53) Finding Strength and Farm Life

(45:08) Rehab Mindset and Identity

(46:08) Robbed Hit and Near Drowning

(50:53) Marriage Kids and Homeschooling

(55:09) Catch A Lift Mission

(57:42) Warrior Games to Invictus Wins

(01:00:10) USPA Nationals and Bench Rules

(01:03:35) Purpose Advice and Farewell

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