Scott Stephenson started non-profit Tempered Steel to bring the Soldiers’ stories behind the scars to life
By Emily Oehler, WTC StratComm
While I was on the road this week, I saw a bumper sticker that struck me—“Life is Tough, Play Hard.” It immediately brought to mind a wounded veteran that I recently had the joy to meet. And when I say joy, I mean it.
Being around Scott brought me joy. When I met him, he felt like a mischievous little brother. Someone I connect to. Someone I wanted to protect. Someone I could be silly with. Joy.
For Scott, life is tough—at least from my perspective. He’s got third and fourth degree burns over 66% of his body, is missing his left leg below the knee, and has a barely functioning left arm. I cannot imagine how tough things have/can be. But, as tough has his challenges are, he plays even harder. He and his BAMC burn unit buddies are never at a loss for a quick joke, hilarious story, or one-liner. He had me laughing, nearly to tears, every time I saw him—shouting out things like:
- Burn guys are hot!
- Girls dig extra crispy!
- When I’m hot, I’m on fire!
- Don’t make me give you the third degree!
While many might not find these things funny or appropriate—it’s the playfulness about life’s hardships that often get us through, and at least make it more joyful along the way.
Scott’s playfulness about this severe injury relaxed me and allowed me to talk more openly with him and ask questions and learn. I learned about airborne pride. I learned about the risks of being a SAW gunner. I learned about shearing, blisters, heat/cold intolerance, and how hard it is to fit a prosthetic to burnt skin. I learned that he has a girlfriend. I learned he’s in college with the goal of opening up his own bar and grill.
I learned that his tattoos, that look like weathered and withered tree bark, follow the pattern on his skin that was disfigured from gasoline / IED. I learned that living with burns feels like having saran wrap tight around your body—that you can’t feel the breeze on your skin. I learned about the non-profit he started with his mom to help other burned service members.
But most importantly, I learned to look past the scars.
Scott—thanks for the joy, the laughter, and the learning. Keep playing hard!
When i was reading this post i got tears on my eyes but it is really really to motivational and learn something new in life. What i learned that whatever situation happens in our life it is on us how to handle or slove it joyfully like Scott. Thanks to Emily Oehler also for sharing such a great fact with us. I want to give new title to this post that -Burn guys are Cool & Joyful!
You can learn more about Scott and the organization started by Scott and his mother, Tempered Steel Inc., at Http://wwww.temperedsteelinc.org
I am fortunate enough to be Scott’s AW2 Advocate; Emily “hit the nail on the head” in her report. Scott is one of the funniest guys I have ever met, and a lot of fun to be around. I certainly wonder, as many others must; How can he be like that? and Could I do that? I don’t know the answers to that. Scott has the ability to make you quickly forget about his issues to the point of almost not seeing the scars anymore. I guess that’s what most of our soldiers want. I count myself as lucky to be his advocate.
Jim Merrill
thanks a lot katablog.com for sharing nice website. What i think it will be very great and inspirational to all of us if we conduct interview of this wounded military heroes and know there expirence and feelings after injury, and then share here on this blog, it will be motivational to young generation not only young but to all child and old.
Amazing! Thank you for such a wonderful story. Please get his message/story out to our military installations, and overseas. What a great inspirational avenue to help in the healing process of our hundreds of wounded. Way to go, mom! Your spirit is intertwined with your sons. Amazing family. Thank you for sharing! God bless.
It’s young men like Scott that should be kids role models and hero’s. Not these always in trouble actors or sports figures. America’s finest are fighting in these wars and giving a hell of a lot where the other give nothing. I had the honor to serve not with the wealthy not with the famous BUT With The Finest Young MEN that America has God bless my Brothers still fighting and healing
Wow…I was so touched by this story, I think you are an amazing guy Scott your sense of humour is so attracting and encouraging not to mention very funny!
I wish to God we had more men on this earth like you!
Amazing Grace is what I thing you are…
God bless and all the best!
Thank you Emily! Our “Hollywood” Star is gaining more fans everyday! LOL Thank all of you for your support. This is the reaction they need from us, not turning away because it is too painful for us to be reminded of the realities of our injured. Please visit our site for more stories similar to Scott’s, and please support us in whatever way you see fit. Thanks is always appreciated.