Local Marine Veteran, Facing Amputation, Treks With Prince Harry

The prince joined U.S. Marine veteran Kirstie Ennis for part of her 1,000 mile hike through Great Britain

A wounded Marine veteran, who postponed a leg amputation, had a famous companion for part of her ambitious 1,000 mile trek across Great Britain. 

England’s Prince Harry walked several miles over the weekend with U.S. veteran Kirstie Ennis, 24, as she completed a grueling 72-day hike.

During the journey, Ennis placed 25 dog tags, made for Marine brothers she lost in combat or from PTSD, at famous or meaningful sites along the way.

She gave one to Harry, who served in Afghanistan. He reportedly said he couldn't accept it, but Ennis insisted.

“Seeing what she has done in honoring her fallen brothers, and I'm sure it resonated with him,” said Judy Sexton, a San Diego volunteer for the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.

Sexton met Ennis while the veteran was in San Diego, receiving treatment from wartime wounds.

Ennis suffered severe injuries her face, jaw, arms, spine and leg in a CH-53 helicopter crash in Afghanistan three years ago. Since then, she has received multiple surgeries at Naval Medical Center San Diego, and she put off an amputation surgery on her leg to make the trip to Great Britain.

“For one thing, she's a Marine, and I think that says a lot,” said Sexton, who brought Ennis a handmade quilt while she was recovering. “The other thing is her own personal determination. I will tell you that these injuries do not define these warriors.”

On this walk with fellow veterans, Ennis raised money and awareness for those who have been injured while serving their country. Ennis described the close bond between her fellow Marines in an interview as she prepared for the Warrior Games two years ago, long before this journey.

“We all thrive off each other we empower, we all motivate each other,” she said. “Without the guys on the left and right, females as well, I wouldn’t be where I am in my recovery right now.”

Ennis gave this advice to others living with adversity: “You can handle it; you've come this far and you're still here. Don't stop. Look to the guys, the left and the right, if you need somebody.”
 

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