Earl Granville – U.S. Army National Guard 2000-10

Earl Granville, was two weeks into in boot camp at Ft Benning with his twin brother Joe, when 9/11 happened. He went on to serve nine years in the Army National Guard as an Infantryman, with deployments to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. On his final tour, he lost his left leg through the knee to a roadside bomb while on patrol. He also lost his teammates Major Scott Hagerty of Stillwater Oklahoma and Specialist Derek Holland of Wind Gap Pennsylvania that day.

After becoming an amputee and the passing of his brother Joe, who took his own life while they were serving on active duty back in 2010, Earl now spends most of his time traveling the country as a public speaker. Discussing healthy ways to battle adversity, through the positivity in his messaging, real life solutions from his own experiences and participating as an inspiration and motivating force through psychical fitness challenges and marathons across the country.

He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Counseling & Human Services at the University of Scranton and works with many non-profits such as Operation Enduring Warrior, the Oscar Mike Foundation and Warrior Strong. These 501c3s help keep wounded and disabled veterans and law enforcement physically active after their injuries.

Earl has received numerous awards for his volunteer work and his speaking, including the 2018 Attorney General Heart So Big Award, the Junior Chamber International (JCI USA) TOYA Award for Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment under the Class of 2017 and the 2018 Daughters of the American Revolution Veterans Volunteer Award.

Earl retired out of the army as a Staff Sergeant with numerous awards such as the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart.

For more information on Earl visit his website www.earlgranville.org

Story by Ross Rowlinson - Vero Beach FL

Earl Granville speaks at the 2022 Sandlot Fitness Festival