82nd Airborne COMBAT MEDIC And PARALYMPIAN | Kelly Elmlinger

As a sophomore in college, Kelly Elmlinger enlisted as an Army medic, serving ten years with the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Unit. She served three back-to-back combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.
She was then assigned to a special mission unit and, and at the same time, earned her degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Texas and joined the Army’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Her personal mission was to help wounded warriors recover from catastrophic injuries.
In 2013, Elmlinger began experiencing pain in her lower left leg. After a round of tests, she was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. After several surgeries in an attempt to save her leg, she made the decision to have it amputated.
But Kelly Elmlinger would not be stopped. She began to compete in adaptive sports - running, swimming, rowing. By 2020, she was competing as a Paralympian at the Games in Tokyo. In 2021, she claimed her first title of World Champion at the World Triathlon Para Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Interview recorded on November 2, 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------
Support the American Veterans Center's mission to preserve the legacy and history of our heroes by making a tax-deductible donation today: americanveteranscenter.org/do...
Learn more about the American Veterans Center: www.americanveteranscenter.org/
Like us on Facebook: / americanveteranscenter
Follow us on Twitter: / avcupdate
Follow us on Instagram: / americanveteranscenter
Subscribe to the Veterans Chronicles podcast: link.chtbl.com/americanvetera...
----------------------------------------------------------------
Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[@americanveteranscenter]

HISTORY LOVERS - before you comment, be sure to subscribe to this KZbin channel and ring the notification bell so you never miss a future upload!

[@terrysteward6765]

Thank you my friend. Best wishes in the Army. Be sure and thank the medics. And if you get hurt and are able to talk, thank the doctors, nurses, technician, and of course the medvac pilots and crews. It takes a tremendous effort to save one critically injured person, let a lone a mass casualty bunch of critically injured people .

[@terrysteward6765]

Kelly, I want to thank you and all the medics. In 2005, I was working for KBR, as a truck driver. On 9/20/05 our convoy was ambushed. Three of our guys were killed and six of us were wounded. I was shot multiple times and was extremely critical. The medics helped to stabilize me for around an hour until a Blackhawk could get to us. I went through emergency surgery at the Balad Air Base. The next morning I was evacuated to Germany by a Critical Air Transport, C-17. At Landsthul I was taken into surgery several times. On one occasion, while in ICU my blood pressure dropped dramatically. The nurse hit the alarm. Within a couple of Minutes I was on my way to the operating room. The recovery was very long and painful, but without you people, I would not be here, so thank you!

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇

[@johnscanlon2598]

It is absolutely amazing what combat medics and the medical personnel behind the front lines were able and did do for America’s bravest , I read somewhere that if the medics got to you in time you had a 90 % chance of survival that is just incredible

[@Perri_Redder]

@@johnscanlon2598 Yup. I met a triple tab combat medic once. I was in the 82nd at Ft. Bragg NC. They are the guys. He said that if he needed to, he could put you down, perform open heart surgery, and stitch you up. On the field of combat. Granted, that kind of thing rarely happens, but he also said that you had a *higher* than 90% chance of being saved if they can just get to you in time. You can *NEVER* win a war, but this is how we lose the least.

[@andreajohnson1796]

Where can I purchase this book​@@JC-du6sn

[@johnscanlon2598]

@@Perri_Redder amazing , oh wars could be won if the politicians had zero to do with anything involved , hell Vietnam was won numerous times , militarily at least

[@csb78nm]

As a UH60 medevac crew chief, I got to watch people like Kelly every day. What an honor and inspiration to watch them save lives.

[@D.Ambrose]

That was my dream job. I wanted to crew blackhawks. I talked to the recruiter when I turned 15, did JROTC, took the technical college classes they recommended. Then some low-brow DA threw some bs charge at me when I was 17 and destroyed my life. Took 10 years to get it back, but I never got to crew a Blackhawk. Thanks for your service. I live vicariously through people like you.

[@csb78nm]

@@D.Ambrose I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully, all is well with you now.

[@fedupamerican6534]

My aunt Colonel Carey Wagon was a Blackhawk pilot. There is a video of her touching down on the side of a mountain rescuing troops. You can hear male pilots saying she puts the Blackhawk down were most wouldn’t. Bravo to all the strong women in the military

[@nmr6988]

God bless your aunt and your family.

[@nmr6988]

KELLY is the of the reasons i became a monthly donator to the Wounded Warrior Project. God bless her and every Wounded Warrior and veteran.

[@petermcfarlane6911]

She is everything you would ever want in a medic! What a hero!

[@TheTW11]

A seriously impressive woman. I can't think of a finer role model for young women of today. I am in awe.

[@zimtastic1171]

Much agreed!!

[@Blaydedge]

USAF vet here - so immensely proud of you. You are among the absolute best of us. Thank you.

[@johnmorales4501]

A real soldier. A true example of a warrior and patriotic American. Love to meet you face to face, salute you, shake your hand. The horrors of war, especially those who in combat, NEVER leave you. You see it in her face and hear it in her voice. May God grant her peace.

[@Psyminds]

Peace does not need to be "granted" it can be uncovered by anyone at anytime. Peace is our natural state. Nothing against God/The concept of God.

[@Perri_Redder]

Thank you Kelly. I had a very similar pre deployment experience, without the college. The 82nd rocks, 81st signal myself. I see too many stories about people who had bad experiences, and that's all they share. I got to meet CSM Jordan, a man unwilling to ride the coattails of his brother, and he forged a better America for us all with his incredible integrity. I met a special forces combat surgeon once. One of people anyone could hold in high regard. Vets don't always share the strength and integrity military service instills in people. War is brutal and awful. But, if we don't fight for what we believe in, our families are as good as dead. It could take a many generations, but if we stop fighting, we have already lost. We need people to volunteer, conscription or draft is just not how we do things. I personally hate the death of innocents, one of the few things I genuinely hate so much I can lose my bright demeanor. Combatants know what they signed up for, or were 'forced' into. Civilians, they just want to build a better family, a better world, just like the rest of us.

[@Housemouse1967]

Kelly, I’m just an average woman trying to do what I can to help others. I will perform a good deed and bless it to your name.

[@Maddogg414]

God bless you girl. I was one of them that people like you rescued me. That I had a chance to come home.

[@patriciaroberts308]

My heart... 💔 I want to thank you for your service. RESPECT!!! 🇺🇸 ❤️🤍💙 I had 2 Uncles who were Paratroopers during WW2. By the grace of God they both made it home from that war.

[@voicelessnote]

Heroes as depicted are fantasy. This is the real deal! All best wishes to you Kelly Elmlinger; sending you love and obvious hugs.

[@krif6808]

You are the definition of bravery. I cannot imagine how hard it is for you to deal with, but I am glad to know good people still exist in this day and time. Thank You for your service.

[@christiancherniss8063]

TY all Vets for your service. Veteran suicide is a serious problem if you need help please reach out to someone. YOU ARE LOVED!!!!!

[@BirdDogey1]

A friend of mine from the 82nd lost both legs to friendly fire on Grenada. He was a warrior poet who had a special place in his heart for the female flight medic that sang to him.

[@immortaltyger1569]

Did she sing to your friend to take their mind off their injuries while he/she was being transported?

[@JoanoftheArk300]

I sang to my 6 year old son for 3 hours after a pit bull attack that ripped the skin off his head like a stripped softball 🥎 232 stitches 🧵 and staples with no medication bc he’d lost too much blood 🩸 song 🎶 got us through 💜

[@immortaltyger1569]

@@JoanoftheArk300I hope he's healed up and back to his usual self.

[@InHimImStrong]

Wow so horrible yet beautiful thank you The human spirit we need each other. 🤍

[@D5quared91]

Hot. Did they pork?

[@islanderdraws]

Ma'am, you are truly an inspiration! All that you have endured , yet, your light still manages to shine through. Thank you for all your sacrifices. RESPECT! Continued blessings.....🙏

[@HammerJammer81]

Most loved people on the Battlefield. Thank you Medics

[@kaldorf]

Thank you for your service Captain.

[@jstpsgthru]

Captain Elmlinger, You are wonderful. You are appreciated and cherished!

[@danam0228]

Damn straight, not even 1 min in she had me hooked

[@andyjulian5379]

Captain K. Elmlinger God Bless You! And for you Service to our country. I wish our current leaders were courageous as you!

[@grumpyg9350]

How lucky would you be, to have her as your best friend. So cool.

[@whiskeymonk4085]

Godspeed to all of us who struggle with PTSD and physical limitations. She's right. It's not about disability, life is about ability. Go crush the day, the week, the month and the year. Then go do it again. It's worth it.

[@user-cn1rd3kn3k]

I remember you from the Avn Bde, Gave me my Anthrax shot too lol. You Rock Elmo, keep going Airborne.

[@hubriswonk]

Very cool!

[@reggierico]

I am speechless after watching this. She is awe inspiring, tenacious, intelligent, intense, inspiring, and so much more! I flew quite a few patients to Brookes Medical center and a couple come to mind. One was a soldier who had suffered a TBI, traumatic brain injury. He was extremely nice and honest about his injury and although I had high hopes for him, I knew his road would be difficult. The other soldier I flew home from there for Thanksgiving. He had had both of his legs blown off in an IED, one above the knee and one below. I was talking to him getting ready to take him to the aircraft and he had this bag with him. He said he was bringing his new legs home to show his mom and dad how his progress was going learning to adapt to his new legs. I reflected on him later and knew his situation was so different from the first gentleman. I knew he was going to be fine and lead a fairly normal life. I also know that Capt. Elmlinger is leading quite an extraordinary life. She is an amazing woman and a wonderful soldier.

[@gladysover5368]

Much respect to Captain Elmlinger.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

Awesome service to our country, our fellow citizens and incredible personal story! I hope the rest of your life is blessed.

[@kelmco]

Warm regards from me as veteran coming from the Netherlands! You are one of the people given so much for freedom, always know there are people out there that have the utmost respect for you and the other combat medics!

[@idahoducker]

In 55 years I've discovered two kinds of angels on earth. Hospice nurses and combat medics. When blessings are handed out I hope they get them all.

[@FPLJCB]

What a beautiful strong woman. Thank you for your service.

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

My dad lost both of his legs, in three amputations. It was a rough few years, and I wish he'd had better support. So glad you went the amputation route and regained your "life" and mobility.

[@robertroth287]

Captain Elminger demonstrates that there are many forms of courage. Total respect

[@johnadams677]

❤🎉THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!! I WAS A 2ND GEN, 82ND ABN, INF. MY DAD JUMPED IN ON D-DAY/WWII. I WAS IN 74-78 100% SC, DISABLE. GOD~BLESS🎉❤

[@bigian2681]

The strength this women displays and her story telling is amazing, I pray for her safety and everyone else in this comment section

[@johanjohnleach8504]

Respect. Salute! From a South African Bush War Vet.

[@longhair51]

Wow! What an outstanding individual. Listening to her brought back many memories and feelings. I turned 21 years old in the intensive care ward at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in 1972. The thing is that your life is fundamentally changed in an instant but you don't really understand this at first. The realization slowly dawns on you that your life has changed and the real battle is whether you will give up or you will persevere. I'm 73 now and my wife then has been with me for 55 years. With her by my side, like the Captain, I chose to persevere.

[@TheUltimateGC]

God bless your soul. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

[@pedrojulio5889]

Just now. Last week from a dessert storm veteran who I had to go thru with a surgery waiting four years. I Finally decided to get benefits. Blood and bone cancer with MANY wounds and injuries. She is a?? breath of fresh air after 45 years going to V.A. Hospital

[@MadnessMotive-1428AZ]

Powerful story. It's incredible how many amazing people we don't even know about. Thanks for stepping into view!

[@nmr6988]

God bless you sir, and bless your wife and family. Thank you so much.

[@johnhartman3149]

My wife spent 22 years in the Army so i know the struggles you've had on top of these struggles. I am so proud of you for how you have held together after what you've seen and dealt with. You are our hero, thank you!

[@racebannon7355]

Thank You (OEF/OIF 2002-2006 Combat Vet)

[@TheRagratus]

My Brother was a combat medic in the 82nd in Desert Storm. He was a member of the task force that did the blocking action in Western Iraq with the French Foreign Legion. I was just a SSG MP doing EPW ops with my Reserve unit. He was in country 5 months- I was there 13 months.

[@zimtastic1171]

Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@medicmikeg2145]

I served in Iraq in 2005. I wasn’t a medic at that time, but I was trained as a CLS. It was a humbling reality of what we faced during that deployment. I became a medic near the twilight of my career in the military. I fell in love with the job so much that I keep doing it for my home and community as a FF/Paramedic. Many thanks for your story and experience. Hooah.

[@zimtastic1171]

Thank you! ❤

[@Dave-ji1yp]

SEMPER FI...PTSD IS VERY REAL. I HOPE SHE IS GETTING ALL KINDS OF SUPPORT FROM THE VA. SHE IS A TRUE PATRIOT.

[@pedrojulio5889]

Veterans the best. My dad a WW2 on B-29"s as an officer on Tinian Island. My uncle's and his brothers WW2 veterans. They are all gone now. The memories NEVER go.

[@cindymcmurray6879]

Outstanding Ma'am. You are an example of the current Women in the military. Thank you.

[@asafoster7954]

Stay home

[@hesselvisser2323]

@@asafoster7954 shut up. She gave her best. Which is more than you will ever will living out of your parents basement

[@chugwhiskey6605]

One of the very few, when I served it was either fat women and fat men or extremely strong men, no strong women that I saw, sucks tbh

[@avalonjustin]

@@asafoster7954You stay home, she has things to do.

[@DBXClanOfficialYoutubeChannel]

Most men chose to be loud or stupid im surprised you did both. @@asafoster7954

[@thelegionisnotamused8929]

These guys, folks at the surgical shock treatment platoons and mortuary affairs... I always felt that if the worst happened, I would be taken care of. Semper Fidelis.

[@glockparaastra]

You Combat Medics are a special breed! TYFYS! God Bless!

[@asafoster7954]

God is a fictional character from an iron age myth

[@hesselvisser2323]

@asafoster7954. If you have nothing good to say about people who want to help others. Please just shut up

[@user-gr2ld8de5p]

​@@asafoster7954LoL no one is forcing you to believe. Your just drilling for the nerve. Sad.

[@johnkelly6187]

Come here little one, I’ll talk with ya about some truth in person if ya like!

[@johnkelly6187]

Battle field angels!🇺🇸🫡

[@millencolin924]

She speaks so well. To articulate those experiences so well really helped understand some of the hardships she went through. shes awesome

[@PrincessPanamaFelange]

I love her commitment, her intellect, drive, spirit, hair, and heart. I wish we had more Americans like her. Thank you for your service .

[@TheAngryAmerican.]

we do have more Americans like her, not all of them end up on KZbin.

[@trekfortruth2841]

Wow...one of the most impressive veterans you've ever interviewed!

[@Rusty.1776]

She is such an incredible human being. I am thankful to have her on our side!💚

[@flparkermdpc]

There aren't enough of her to go around. We need people like Captain Elmlinger to lead the rest of us who don't have what she has. One of the great attributes in her package of greatness is compulsion to serve. She was born with these things. You can't teach this. Her example is what she has to give us, and she has done that to the best of her ability. That's really something, and Spirit like hers is a living organism.If you can be inspired by her, the ball is in your, our court. Thank you, Captain. FP.

[@RB-vr7mq]

Airborne! All the Way Sister! Welcome Home and thank you.

[@edsullivan5417]

Cpt Elmlinger is a spirit warrior, she is whom I always emulated as a Leader. This old Sergeant Major is totally supportive of our Warriors who do paraolimpics!!!! I have six former soldiers who are Wounded Warriors!!!!

[@zimtastic1171]

Thank you for what you do. ❤

[@skyjust828]

Total RESPECT for this lady & all our service people! 🇺🇸👍❣️

[@58harwood]

Thank you Kelly for everything you’ve done for me, our country! I’m in awe of you and what you’ve accomplished. God Bless You! 🇺🇸

[@mudducke8]

Bravo Zulu ma'am! You are an inspiration.

[@muppetbrother]

amazes me that a rare few people are strong enough to do an ops medics job. im in awe of this warrior

[@robertrafer9422]

Hero. Period.

[@captainnitrousx1331]

I was in the 82nd Combat Aviation Battalion before it was the 82nd Aviation Combat Brigade. We all had to be Airborne back in those days. 79 to 81. All the way and then some!!!

[@zimtastic1171]

Thank you. ❤

[@user-ze5qb4bk8p]

A big thanks from Minnesota for your services. God bless, take care.

[@73joebrant]

A Warrior In MULTIPLE Ways!

[@thewatchhawk]

"We went out and recovered what ever we could, in sometimes unsecured locations, so their families would have something." Deliverd with a "No big deal, part of my job," delivery. Wow! Thank you for your service. God speed on your new mission.

[@adams1638]

She was crying as she said that. Clearly not a "no big deal" experience. War is hell.

[@joeblow4639]

Thank you for your service. This gal is not only physically beautiful but beautiful with a huge heart.

[@35t10b]

Great story, great woman. I was 82nd airborne Infantry from 80-83. Everybody loves their medics

[@billpugh58]

I pray that we don't get any 'see, that's what DEI gets us' comments! She and the younger generation have done the US military proud and have paid the price! What a great person she is!

[@davidmc1489]

Strange how a memory from Iraq can jump up seemingly out of no where and get your feels to show....😢❤

[@timprescott4634]

Thank you, ma’am. You did the Deuce PROUD!

[@sgtself1285]

What a motivated person. She's definitely an inspiration to veterans and non veterans alike. I swear that the person interviewing her sounds like Jack Carr, the former Navy Seal and writer

[@ezziba8240]

Haha, I had to go back when I first heard his voice. I'm still not positive.

[@avalonjustin]

God that's so brutal and saddening. Big respect to this lady for her courage.

[@corteztheinfinite9440]

The Importance Of People Like Her Is Absolutely Unmeasurable. That Is One Hell Of A Human Being

[@STVG71]

I was with MEDCOM my entire career, everyone I have worked with had a similar quality and it was wanting to take care of our patients and put their needs before theirs, whether it was in the field or at a hospital. I love all of my fellow soldiers and especially those who have had a medical MOS.

[@skiman6810]

a truly inspirational individual. having been thru that and coming out the other side. we throw around hero and brave too much but she deserves that and more.

[@paulcurtis1159]

This young lady ROCKS ! Thankyou to her and all that did and do serve

[@gregm6652]

One of THE most inspiring testimonies I've seen, from your ability to capture the emotions of your time in conflict to your ability to articulate the journey through the healthcare process, terrific spirit and drive, no question that you were Airborne deserving so. I would NEVER want to get in this woman's way. Her daughter has a very special mom.

[@douggmerek7419]

I am so impressed with your story captain,thank you for your service and sacrifice! Much respect ma'am!

[@dmoore8705]

Unfortunately, I can only give this a thumbs up once.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your service, courage and sacrifice for America 🇺🇸 (my father served in the 82nd during WWII and Korea)

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

An amazing woman. A hero! So proud of your service and your rise above all adversity.

[@jonathanphillips2388]

Brave Girl. Bless her heart!!!!

[@charleslane1086]

Much respect for this lady.

[@reset-xs9ql]

thank you ma'am. you're wonderful.

[@larryaustin2201]

Captain Elmlinger, thank you for your service. I’m very appreciative of you opening up and relating your experiences. Thank you.

[@donaldfeger91]

Thank You for your service,you are one of greatest of your generation!

[@Mpowell919]

Thanks to the guest for her service! Loved to hear her and pray God's blessings to be with her, thanks again! I know my cousins dealt with their brother who was killed by a sniper in Normandy during WW2, but they were so proud of him and they appreciated the work done to retrieve and return his effects to the family. Some of those artifacts are now in a museum at Normandy and it is so nice to know about our cousin who was in the 82nd Airborne 505th Company C. He survived Sicily and Palermo prior to Normandy, survived La Fiere but only got to Dday + 8 around Montebourg Station.

[@ronrothstein4175]

Your a amazing lady this has made u a member of a alit few that will be a American who will be remembered by your own that u service with god Bess you and Thankyou for your service

[@derekhampson1514]

The world needs more people like Kelly, an inspiration to all.

[@nickbruno-og2zn]

I’m proud of you Captain. I’m curious do you have a book yet ? Thank you for your service and sacrifices. Thank you Gregg for another amazing interview

[@billmccaffrey1977]

I'm happy to hear that you had a good team working with you on your leg. I wasn't lucky. I had fractured my ankle some years ago and developed arthritis in my ankle. I was trying to run trails, but my ankle would swell. After many misdiagnosis, I finally got proper imaging and they found that I had torn several tendons/legaments and that I needed surgery to stabilize the ankle. The doctor screwed up and set it up as a knee surgery and used those tools and hardware on my ankle. The result was that he overheated the bones, killing them, and had done the nerve block blind and damaged the nerve to the point where I could no longer move any part of that foot. Two other surgeons determined the damage was beyond repair and I had to amputate the leg if I ever wanted to walk again. It's been 6 years since the amputation. It took several years to get a prosthesis that fit well enough to start ridding a bike again. I gave up on ever running again. Last year they discovered that I had a large tibial nerve tumor and they had to remove 5" of the nerve. I wish I had had your quality of care. I wish the very best for you and your family.

[@nmr6988]

Sir, thank you for not giving up. May God bless you richly.

[@billmccaffrey1977]

@@nmr6988 God blessed my with two grandchildren that make me forget my pain.

[@johnsnyder3164]

Shout out from a 4th ID guy. You rock and it’s all ❤. You are looked up to and appreciated. 👍🏻

[@morganW2012]

Wish i could give her a hug

[@BKAY718]

I had a Boot shop in spring lake NC between 97-2000 I met many great people from across the world...I thank you for your service guys...

[@GATOR_MCLUSKY]

lincoln or kiwi?

[@danieljensen9744]

Thank you for your service and your story. Very awesome story. Very inspiring

[@Winters_Folly]

You did your best, that's all anyone can ask for.

[@americaninfidel9001]

Proud of you Sister!

[@lawwdogg1digr]

What an amazing woman! Thank you, Kelly!

[@adavidbujanda]

Airborne all the way you did your job and we are happy you came back!

[@jackiemontogmery125]

Thank you for your service. You are an amazing young woman. Good luck in Paris! Grammy from Texas

[@coachjonmichaelmulkeyjiujitsu]

God bless you, Ma'am.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Outstanding!!! I did enjoy my time as a Paratrooper. Medics in the infantry battalions were very important to us.

[@mattscruggs4945]

Her motivation to change for the better just inspired me. Thank you for sharing this story.