KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Soldier returns to Civilian Life, Loses Legs, Overcomes Odds

(KATV) Little Rock - Senior Master Sergeant Preston Breashers was in the military for 21-years. He trained and endured challenging operations, but returned to civilian life only to go through his biggest challenge yet.

On March 28, Preston Breashers retired to the back of his 18-wheeler while his co-worker drove. "I do remember one second going down and just being horrified and then I just shut off."

After nearly a month in a coma, he was told the truck went off a Kansas bridge, plummeted on to a railroad track and caught fire, his friend died and he lost his legs.

"Everybody breaks down at some point after having a traumatic injury like this; I just always try to keep a very positive attitude."

Breashers was moved to Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute for rehab.

Occupational Therapist Angela Green smiles, "On day one I asked him what his goal was and he said I want to be able to run and I said ok, lets stand first."

Within two months he's progressed from a wheelchair to a walker to walking. He's determined to get rid of the limp and the cane.

For 3-three hours a day he simulates daily activities once taken for granted. Breashers goal is to be the active dad he used to be to his twin boys, "I've got outings planned with them already."

Angela Green credits Breashears willingness and determination for his significant improvement.

He's also an inspiration and teacher to other patients... so it might not come as a surprise Breashears wants to stay, but on the staff. He concludes, "I don't consider it a disability. I consider it maybe a challenge. It's something everybody can over come now. It's just the right attitude and I believe helping people is like helping myself."

When Breashers was in Special Ops he ran 7-miles a day, so of course he has requested a set of running legs that should be arriving soon.

Also, he is 5 foot 10, but he asked to be six-foot tall and that wish will also be granted.