Overcoming Adversity

Cpl Peck's Homecoming

“I didn’t think this many people cared!”

Wounded not once, but twice in two different wars, Marine Cpl John Peck came home last week to Antioch, IL and found that his country does indeed care!  

Cpl Peck was escorted home by the Antioch police and fire departments.  

Photo: LCpl John Peck

Estimates say that nearly 2,000 people lined the streets of the route to Peck’s home.  Flags were waving and the sound of people clapping could be heard as Peck was escorted home for his first visit since losing both legs and an arm in Afghanistan.   He battled severe infection from a wound in his stomach that refused to heal.  Doctors tried to save his remaining arm, but they eventually had to amputate a portion of that as well.

Sight & Legs Won't Hinder Marine Chuck Sketch's Motivation

Blind Marine competes in Warrior Games with the help of his family
by Aquita Brown MCMWWP

The Warrior Games is an annual athletic competition that allows the Wounded Warrior Regiment’s wounded, ill and injured Marines to strengthen their mind, body and spirit. Athletes from all branches of service have an opportunity to compete, fine tune their skills and build camaraderie. However, for Marine veteran Chuck Sketch it means much more than that. Chuck has the opportunity to share this experience with his fellow Marines and his father, Roger Sketch.

In February 1991, Chuck joined the United States Marine Corps because, “they are the best,” said Chuck. He was an 0311 infantryman during Operation Dessert Storm.

In 1997, Chuck received devastating news that would change his life forever. He was diagnosed with cancer and his sight was the first thing to go as a result of a brain tumor.

Photo by PAT CUBEL Marine veteran and Wildomar, Calif., native Chuck Sketch participates in the All-Marine Warrior Games swim camp. The Marines Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment held the two week training camp to prepare the athletes for the second annual Games that will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo. at the Olympic Training Center May 16-21.