Paralyzed Marine Stands Up for Heroes

Marine Capt. Derek Herrera, who was paralyzed from the chest down by a bullet in Afghanistan, brought the entire audience to its feet when he walked across the Stand Up for Heroes stage using an exo-skeleton, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, Nov. 5, 2014.
Beyond inspiring others by not allowing his injury to define him, he challenged the audience to honor veterans by doing more to better their own communities.
While the 8th Annual Stand Up for Heroes was filled with comedy and music, Capt. Herrera demonstrated the purpose of the evening: raising funds for the Bob Woodruff Foundation to help injured service members, veterans and their families.
Presented by the New York Comedy Festival and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Brought to you by Veterans on Wall Street and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. Supported by founding sponsor GFI Group, Inc.
Special thanks to MSG Entertainment and Madison Square Garden.
Take a #Stand4Heroes with the Bob Woodruff Foundation:
www.bobwoodruff...

[@ericunderwood1186]

A real hero right there folks. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@shelley6746]

He is the reason for us all to STAND & Salute them all for everything they do & has done for us...Thank You Veterans God Bless each & every single one of you🇺🇸♥️

[@mikecarson1891]

THANK GOD FOR ALL WHO SERVED.

[@dougfree1477]

There are still a few that stand with honor integrity in this republic-and as often as not you'll find a wife that stands with courage and love- God bless this nation and those who are face of what we used to be!

[@LoveAuntAshley]

God Bless You Soldier! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service!

[@kevinpiacente3456]

Hes a Marine

[@jgjg3848]

He's not a soldier, he's a Marine.

[@rickosteen]

Thank you sir for your service.

[@gmamahjanet2953]

God Bless and thank you! 💗

[@edgarbenitez8477]

Thank you Sr god bless you

[@katherinecollins1876]

Our Veterans deserve visits to the hospitals just to give hope and let them know we care because these soilders gave all they could for us so a visit, a hug, a cake can let them know we are with them and god brought them home to us thank you for your time, your service your love God Bless all of you!!!

[@ladylsacanada8837]

Wow. A true hero. All the world's blessing on you and your family. Makes old age (me) aches and pains to seem so minor.

[@roneasterday7574]

Thank you for your sacrifices, and for defending our country.

[@krcarl1235]

With tears running down my cheeks, I have no other way to say Thank You for answering the call to duty.

[@michaeldidomenico7]

what a humble man, and his comments at the end are spectacular.

[@pumi63]

The freedoms and liberties that we enjoy as we sit in our comfortable houses are thanks to the bravery and actions of soldiers like this young man . Forget overpaid actors or NFL players with inflated egos and overpaid accounts !!

[@marksteagall5124]

RESPECT!!!!for both of you!! this is what it means when you take your wedding vows

[@mikesmith4606]

ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE MY BROTHER. BLIND CRIPPLED CRAZY OR IN BONDS WE WILL STIFE TO SEE OUR MISSIN AND LIFE THROUGH. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER

[@joanalford4492]

Mike Smith CX

[@joelabanca2480]

This is a very special man. He is a real hero to all the others that may be facing the wounds of war as he has. To make the choice to walk when so many others cannot. The country owes are veterans so much because they have given so much.

[@ghostrider-ek8gu]

Marine Capt. Derek Herrera, thank you for your Heroism, your Bravery and your beautiful Heart.

[@tranhau3818]

He is a hero in my thoughts. God bless you, Derek Herrera.

[@jamiesalko32]

thank you for your service.. 😘

[@katherinestahl3151]

HE is the REASON we STAND!!! Because of him we have the rights we have May God Bless him

[@me-st7pj]

Damn right..What you said...

[@m.a.c.8366]

so very true... because of this selfless soldier and the countless others who swore an oath to protect us (hint.. you and me and out families and future generations. ) can rest safely tonight. Thank you US Military, we are a greater county because you have served, Thank You...

[@hunter49ish]

@@m.a.c.8366 Well said M.A.C.

[@bigby1590]

Stand for the flag and. Kneel for the cross

[@bigby1590]

@Rob Halford God bless all Marines

[@christinabatts8452]

I thank you for your service!

[@georgepineault565]

I absolutely love the fact that w/ the help of that device Capt. Herrera is able to walk again, but what pisses me off to no end is the fact that at current 33 people did not like this video which means they have no respect for this man, or any other Marine, Sailor, Soldier or Airman who have been wounded or died for this country, and worse in my opinion no respect for the families (mom's, dad's, brother's, sister's and so on) loss when their loved ones were out trying to keep this country safe from people that would like to do us harm. May God keep those that are still alive safe and those that have fallen close in his arms.

[@joycehindelang1280]

Tears running down my face while wearing the biggest smile of pride for this young man. As the commentor before me said "He is the reason we stand." I agree. The room was filled that night with a lot of He's and She's that have stood for us and deserve our thanks and respect. They stand for every American even those who disrespect it.

[@freedomguard7822]

GOD BLESS YOU SIR !!

[@luckakavanova726]

Hi, do you know the life story of Martin Kofroň, the army veteran from Afghanistan? Do you want to know more, then go to www,marrko,com/the-story/

[@americanwoman8967]

Wonderful story. My son, Marine Helicopter pilot, went down in Afghanistan, 2009. He was not supposed to live,..lived. was never supposed to walk again...walked. was never supposed to fly again, He is a helicopter pilot again. He straps on his gear, faces the world, and never, never complains. We Americans should never complain when these brave men and women never complain, only achieve. Let their stories inspire you and your children.

[@misseffinsunshine3843]

Beautiful

[@damienbaken3846]

Amen!

[@bobshaw4063]

Please as a Veteran Tell Your Son for Me Thank You For Serving & I'm So Happy To Hear He Has Recovered Remarkably Well .

[@shanilram3179]

God bless u and your family love and respect from Guyana

[@7hornetdude7]

Thank you.......this is a dedicated soldier......CONGRATULATIONS

[@teedepefanio5687]

Much respect to MARSOC! Thx, Marines..

[@Tracer2376]

From a Ranger, you sir are a great inspiration to everyone. There are no roadblocks but that of what you deal with.

[@int53185]

The very definition of courage and perseverance. God bless him and his wife.

[@hunterwilliams2163]

Thank you for your service

[@GroceryStoreStories101]

Thank You for Your Service 🇺🇸. May God bless you and your family. You are a true American Hero.

[@prlaux5348]

Capt. Derek Herrera YOU ARE a leader with vision! YOU ARE inspiring others not to give up! Thank you so much for your sacrifice from a fellow VET.

[@7hornetdude7]

And from another Vet.....i spent a year in VietNam....so thank you also P R Laux

[@franciscomastrogianni8286]

Thank you cpt. Herrera for your service and your sacrifice in the line of duty for our country so for those who step on our flag or don’t step up when our national song it plays or just be in disrespectful to our traditions as Americans men like this remains you who protects you rights and freedoms everyday every night every minute of our lives so we can enjoy our way of life that’s why we the real Americans are forever grateful to men&women like captain Herrera thank you sr.from the bottom of our hearts!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@hacksaw8214]

FROM A 74 YEAR OLD 0311 MARINE. SEMPER FI MARINE!

[@thom4446]

hacksaw8214 thank you for your service, both of you

[@r0hko]

Thank you for the service, Sir

[@Maria-kg1nh]

Thank you for your service! God Bless!!!

[@ontargetthomunclesam3926]

hacksaw8214 thank you and God bless you Marine

[@JamminJim19]

thank you both for your service

[@cocbrool]

I would like to THANK YOU ALL for your service to this Country & FOR MY FREEDOM! I will NEVER forget!!!!

[@richardmurphy594]

Excellent Closing Comments by Capt. Herrera!! Semper Fi Sir!!

[@mikezuniga9895]

I got the BIGGEST lump in my throat watching this...Thank You 4 Your service...

[@aundreasmith9528]

God bless you and keep you. We are so very grateful for your sacrifice and love for our country. You may have challenges, but, you are an inspiration for not just your military friends, but to everyone. You are a walking testimony of how great God is. My son served in Iraq in Desert Storm. Praise God for all our military men and women.

[@robertcatterall6514]

God Bless you Buddy...and God Bless America the world is a safer place thanks to all you Brave . Heroes Thank you ... Bob U.K. 🇬🇧

[@austingiguere938]

I will be deploying next month on my Six Tour of Duty men like this are the reason I continue to serve. The strength and courage and honor of this man is truly inspiring. This man embodies everything it means to be a warrior watching him gives me so much pride it brings tears to my eyes this man is an American Hero God bless you God bless your family you are what service and sacrifice truly look like you set an example that all of us are striving to meet.

[@dannyhrnndz7053]

He is inspiration to me and all the people that cant walk. I am also paralyzed and have taking a few steps everyday. Peace & Love

[@markaz08]

good on you matey.

[@trishtodhunter1794]

Yes he is a very special and strong man to take's nerver going to gi up and he's a inspiration to other's. Thank you for watching out for our country and to me and the other men and women who serve with their lives to protect us from harm. I'm also pariziled from a stroke and I kept praying and keeping my mind going to strong and never giving up. So be a inspiration to other's to at least try. Bless you son and I'm a military mom. And proud of all of you serving the military. Keep up the positive attitude it help's.

[@AceyCamui]

Thank you Capt. Herrera! and all other service men and women who fight and support our country! God bless you and your wife! Amazing and inspiring people, truly.

[@gavinjones4664]

Thank you for your service Sir.👮👍👏🙌💪✌👊💑🙆

[@greggeitner6828]

THANK YOU, SIR. you are an inspiration to many of us, physically challenged or not.

[@lesaking6735]

god bless you

[@bryanheffler9847]

Thank you for your service to our country and God bless you

[@bobshaw4063]

Marine Capt. Derek Herrera WELCOME HOME and Thank You For Serving . It's so wonderful to hear that you don't let what happened to you to define you ! From An Air For Veteran .

[@menwancellos8000]

Guess this exoskeleton is exactly what our French vets should need. Capt. Herrera is a force of nature. Yet he shows decency in his way of talking. Truly inspirational!

[@allyher65]

Semper Fi. Thanks for Your Service

[@norawilcox1301]

thank you sir for your service. god bless you and your family.

[@janinebell763]

Such a fantastic man and hero.

[@gordonyuill]

God bless all in the services this man is a hero he is humble if only all men could follow his lead the world would be a better place

[@terriblankinship1952]

Im speechless!!! Wow amazing, amazing he is a hero!!! May godbless you always Sir. Thank you for fighting for our country!

[@becky1140]

Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🤟👊

[@juantomas3630]

Thank you for your service young man !! She is one strong lady who really loves him !!

[@Maria-kg1nh]

thank you for your service and strength sir! You make us all even more proud to be American! God Bless!!!

[@linzigwilt2165]

Wow that's terrific, what an inspirational man. I picked up a virus 10 years ago and lost the use of my arms and legs. I was in a wheelchair for 6 months but with physio and painkillers pleased to say I am now able to walk. My arms and legs are still numb but I can now do it, all be it slowly and with lots of rests, you never know what's around the corner. God Bless xx 😘

[@johnp.schilens8276]

God bless all the soldiers and Marines and Airmen maybe I come home maybe I'll come home soon

[@cherylvandorn7764]

Thank you so much for your incredible bravery, God Bless You & Your Lovely Wife & Family, Much Love, Cheryl & Family

[@barbaranelson2685]

What amazing speech every word is true that came from this hero mouth ..so so true people need more like him .what a blessing it was to hear this man and his wife speak bless yall thanku miss Barbara Nelson from Florida

[@billh8519]

USA, USA, USA, THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!!!

[@jamessveinsson6006]

Can we please see you at a trump rally!

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

it is not just an honor, or a privilege, it is necessary to stand for these men and women and the Anthem, every damned time it i splayed.

[@7hornetdude7]

Hell yes....... It would be an honor to be able to meet him and shake his hand........thank you

[@marshataylor4086]

Brian Baumgarn I agree

This is why I stand for The National Anthem! Marine a Hand Salute from a Thankful Navy Vet!

[@larrybond5258]

A slow hand salute from an 11b

[@PedroLopez-nf8rk]

semper Fi you are brave man my other little boy is all ready enlisted in the air Force live in July 25 thanks again for your service god bless you are your family

[@johndavison9970]

Never give up Derrick never back down....thank you for your service and your efforts your an amazing man and you got a special woman at your side your blessed. I never got a chance to serve most everybody in my family have.i wanted to but my life was forever changed when I was 16 my back was broKen in high school wrestling l,5 to s,1 two failed fusions and a failed implanted tens unit so I know how it is God bless our wife's stronger then steel yet soft as a warm spring breeze I walk because I can for know but it's getting harder and harder to do what I call walking.i had 9 back surgerys getting ready for number 10 I'm 51 and I've been with my wife 33 years this December keep up the good work and God bless you and your wife stay strong...........

[@martindimas1689]

Thank you for your service.

[@debbiepearce322]

Thank you for your service. You're an inspiration to all of us. May God watch over you as you continue to recover. Semper Fi.

[@jeremysmith1286]

That is so amazing to see this Honored Marine Stand up, not only for himself but for others, too! God Bless him and his family and all of the other Veterans!

[@oniswayne6766]

That is why we stand thank you Sir

[@steviekeat7086]

God bless you brother x

[@CindiMuldoon]

Thank you for your service and God Bless You

[@bobkats]

you want to know what courage is????? HERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@broganmoffet7173]

As a veteran I salute you. I can only hope someday wars will end

[@7hornetdude7]

You are so right......he is an inspiration to everyone......thank you sir......good luck to you and your family.......AMEN

[@greenribbon49]

thank you for not letting this define you. your an inspiration to me i’m recovering from a stroke. i loved your words. hoo rah

[@jeannesavel9591]

I'd just like to say to U.S. Marine Capt Derek Herrera that you are inspiring, not just through your words, but by your determination, and overcoming your challenges to encourage everyone around you. As a Military Support Advocate, it is my hope and prayer, that I can inspire others as you have, to make a difference and lead by example. Be well and be blessed! Semper Fidelis and HOORAH!!

[@Embur12]

Thx Bob Woodward for your good work. You've been through a lot also!

[@robertbarocas8889]

And on the 8th day GOD made the Marines and the Devil said oh shit

[@Tonykulis]

Thank you sir for your services to this country

[@me-st7pj]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Marine.

[@staceygordon6540]

Seeing him walk onto that stage gave me chills! I'm so thankful for the men and women of our military and their families who sacrifice everything to serve us! He and his wife are such an inspiration!!! ♥️

[@luisoliverss3194]

Bravo,stand up strong Warrior, and thank you so much

[@travisgraham1150]

My hat goes off for you. Keep fighting and giving everyone else hope and Faith

[@scottmacleod5104]

I am from Britain and I send you my deepest wishes and to tell you that YOU ARE A TOYAL INSPIRATION and I THANK YOU for your service his bless.

[@robertforrest9021]

After watching this, I havr NO reason to complain about my arthritic knees and ankles. Thank you gor serving and making it back home

[@tracymorris7151]

i salute u sir, i pray that u continue to stand. u r a true hero

[@Tamous214]

The first person to dislike this video, has to be a truly miserable personal.

[@jamessveinsson6006]

IT WAS AOC!

[@ivangamer8022]

why? thanks to man like this we have millions of refugees in europe right now

[@ivangamer8022]

@warren lynch said the redditor

[@Sheila612Miller]

@@ivangamer8022 He nor anyone else American don't h ave anything to do with refugees where you live. And so what help them out its the right thing to do.

[@Sheila612Miller]

Anyone that dislikes it is miserable and pathetic.

[@larrykaufman8100]

GOD'S blessings on him and his family and Thank You for your service !

[@iwishluckybugger7623]

Sempir Fi Marine, us in NZ remember, and love you all. For myself, 1/16th NZ Helmland, 01-03

[@bobbydowns1260]

Thank you for your service. God Bless you.

[@luckakavanova726]

Hi, do you know the life story of Martin Kofroň, the army veteran from Afghanistan? Do you want to know more, then go to www,marrko,com/the-story/

[@amiajordan2167]

As messed up that I have made my life.......there are 224 people that are way more messed up than i am......I truly feel sorry for how pathetic you are. Thank YOU Sir....for defending me when I wouldn't defend myself. May God shine through you :)AND thank you ma'am, for being his rock!

[@Tracer2376]

He is so humble about this situation, that was an awesome speech he did for everyone.

[@ronniecollum6638]

I like this guy !!!

[@KarinBretz-lx6yv]

Beautiful and Outstanding! .

[@robertwilkins8357]

God bless sir and your family!

[@donzie13]

Likes to all who posted positive post. Sir, thank you and all who have given their time to protect this Country and the people who are in it! We love YOU and YOUR families! You make what we are going through in our lives seem small! So when we get to feeling down, you all give us strength. I know that you all struggle but you help us to keep going and know that we are doing it together, We are not by ourselves even though it might feel like it.

[@viktoriaelisabethrotenbour8285]

God this man is a true hero. Going through all this and is now walking around again. God Bless You, Derek Herrera.

[@bobbydowns6245]

A real hero. God bless.

[@martinwalker7202]

Respect to you and Mora, thank you for your service. Have a good life both.

[@phillipmyers5247]

Thanks for your service my brother in arm's I to am disabled all gave some some gave all GOD bless you and keep you and your family

[@me-st7pj]

Thanks for your service sir I salute you

[@PedroLopez-nf8rk]

semper Fi thank for your service my son is a Marine

[@songsungblue779]

Thank you for your sacrifice as well Mr. Lopez, it's never easy to allow a son or daughter to put themselves in harms way. I am to say the least humbled by the fact that so many young men and women that don't even know me are willing to risk everything not only for themselves and there own family's but for me and mine. I was never able to serve directly in the United States Military even though my grandfather had served in Europe during WWII and married my grandmother who was a U.S Army nurse at the time and my father had just completed basic a short time before I was born in the base hospital were he was stationed. Also growing up with two uncles, one in the Navy and other in the Army, I gained an appreciation for our military at a very early age and now when president Trump tells everyone that we have the greatest military in the world I for one know he's not blowing smoke We really do and they are the reason I can say I am proud to be an American so God bless you and your son Mr. Lopez and once again Thank you...

[@garyloudenslager587]

Thank you sir for your service and your wife and family!!!so glad your on your feet Good job!!much love to you and your fellow Marines!

[@2872Snowflake]

Semper Fi Marine, Thank you

[@winni2601]

You Americans can be proud of you. I know of no other country in which soldiers enjoy such a high reputation among the population. And regardless of whether a war is wrong or right. I would hope that our German soldiers, who also risk their lives in wars for their country, would only gain half as much recognition in Germany.

[@susannesperre9573]

Ja, es ist traurig, was sich abspielt; hoffen wir, dass sich das ändert.

[@Sheila612Miller]

What do you mean? We Americans are VERY proud of our soldiers. It is up to your people to respect your soldiers and it's sad that you don't put them on the petistal they deserve to be on. Actually our soldiers don't enjoy the high reputation they are actually very humble and don't believe they deserve any recognition and they don't want nor enjoy any attention. They believe it is our duty to serve our country. They want no spotlight EVER. IDK where you read this probably in some fake tabloid but until you meet 100 of our hero's you can't say that but if you are ever blessed to meet them 100 will show you not just say it that what I said is true. I come from a long line of military my GPA was in world War 11, my dad the Korean War and 2 of my 3 sons are marines my last son will be air force next year and I have met alot of them that I didn't know and what you say is not true. It's actually shameful that your country don't uplift and honor your soldiers like we do. They fight for you and risk their lives they deserve every honor there is.