Kyle Carpenter

“I would take any opportunity to tell service members, 'Thank you.'”

“I was labeled 'P-E-A,' which is patient expired on arrival. I guess that's the politically correct way of saying you didn't make it.”

“It's human nature for everyone to say 'what if,' but I try to snap out of it as quickly as I can because I'm never going to be able to go back and change what has happened.”

“Work hard at what you do, no matter what it is. Go out there and find your passion and make a difference.”

“I'm very pleased with how far I've come, and I see my injuries and my scars and all my buddies and everybody that was at Walter Reid with me, you know I see it almost as a form of character.”

“If we don't spend our time on this earth looking out for one another, what are we really doing with our lives?”

“People always assume I was in a motorcycle wreck. My response to them: no, Taliban.”

“Obviously, the line of miracles that got me to where I am is incredible.”

“There are always fellow Marines who understand and know what you're going through. Be proud, don't be ashamed, and go out there and tackle the second life you've been given.”

“The military is a path of the unknown. I wasn't in denial about the risk.”

“I love Instagram. I like taking pictures. I've always been into that ever since cellphones had that capability.”

“I think for guys who get severely injured and can't move forward, it's because the 'what-ifs' absolutely destroy their recovery.”

“As Marines, it's drilled into us... to take care of fellow Marines.”

“I have two younger brothers. They are twins and their names are Bryce and Payton.”

“I've always been energetic, loved life and have always been easily amused by things.”

“As far as me being inspirational to other combat-wounded guys, I would say that it's the opposite. To see guys at Walter Reed that I recovered with every day and they were missing every single one of their limbs - that is what I would say is inspiring.”

“I jumped on the grenade that was thrown at myself and my friend. I don't recommend it.”

“Scars can be a good story. I survived and I am proud of them. I didn't want it, obviously. The girls definitely like them.”

“The Taliban are terrible shots. At the end of some long patrols, we'd be walking through the fields and get shot at - and we'd just keep walking.”

“In the Marine Corps there is no individual effort, we're all a big team.”