Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cedric King Finds A New Calling
11/10/23
Background and Military Service
- Cedric King grew up in South Carolina and enlisted in the Army to use his athleticism and thirst for competition.
- He served in peacetime but was called to duty after 9/11.
- Cedric reflects on his time serving and it is a significant part of his life, especially on Veterans Day.
Life-Changing Injury
- Cedric stepped on an IED during a foot patrol in Afghanistan.
- He was airlifted to a hospital and spent a week in a medically induced coma.
- Despite efforts to save his legs, he woke up as a paraplegic and had to come to terms with the severity of the blast.
Choosing Resilience and Inspiration
- Cedric realized he had two choices: live a life of pity or be an inspiration to others.
- He chose to be an inspiration and used his competitive spirit to overcome challenges.
- Cedric competed in the Boston Marathon and became a sought-after motivational speaker.
- He emphasizes the value of figuring things out and not giving up, sending a powerful message to oneself.
Finding a New Calling
- Cedric embraced his new calling as a motivational speaker, sharing his story to inspire others.
- His energy and effort in speaking engagements mirror his military career.
- Cedric believes in the importance of not tapping out when faced with tough situations.
- His perspective shift changed everything for him and continues to impact others.
Impact and Lessons Learned
- Cedric's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans.
- He encourages honoring and remembering veterans on Veterans Day.
- Cedric's resilience and determination inspire people to overcome their own challenges.
- He believes in the power of perseverance and finding purpose in adversity.
- Cedric's journey teaches the importance of embracing change and finding new paths.
