Iona College had the pleasure of hosting one of the many veterans of the Iraq war to speak about his extraordinary journey since his enlistment on March 21.

First Lieutenant Andrew Kinard of the United States Marine Corps stood in Spellman Hall to discuss his time in the armed services and how he has strived to succeed since losing both of his legs in an IED explosion in 2006.

Kinard graduated from the Naval Academy in 2005. When asked in an interview after his speech, he said that at the time of his graduation he felt the Marines were doing the most immediate and visible service for the nation.

In October 2006, an IED exploded right next to Kinard while he was leading a foot patrol in Rawah, Iraq, causing him to lose both of his legs and almost his life. While recovering in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington D.C., he struck up conversation with a Harvard Law School alumnus during a physical therapy session. He eventually convinced Kinard to apply to the law school.

After submitting his application and resume, he was accepted thanks to a strong effort studying for the entrance exams and a competitive college transcript.

Outside of his pursuit of multiple degrees, Kinard spoke about his work with the Wounded Warriors Project, a national charitable organization. On the official website it says the Wounded Warriors Project is dedicated to making the post 9/11 generation of veterans “the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.”

Having served on the Board of Directors for the organization, Kinard worked over-seeing strategic decisions such as budgeting and the services that can be provided with the limited amount of money that is available. Kinard said that the group looks to help seriously injured veterans like himself and those with what he described as injuries that are “less visible, but just as debilitating” such as from brain trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The impact of Kinard’s speech was wide spread as the filled Burke Lounge echoed with applause at the end, many giving a standing ovation.

“This is a great American Hero,” said Junior Rudy Helbock, who interviewed Kinard afterward. “He sacrificed everything in the service of his country and continues to strive for excellence in what he does. I was proud to speak with him.”

“It was very inspirational, motivational and emotional,” said Mass Communications Professor Mike Damergis. “Anyone who wasn’t there truly missed out.”