Jacob Schick

Jacob Schick, Executive Director for , is a third generation Marine who epitomizes service and sacrifice.

After a triple-stacked tank mine detonated below his vehicle in Al Anbar Province, Iraq in 2004, Jake suffered compound fractures in his left leg and left arm; multiple skin, ligament and bone losses; varying burns; partial loss of his left hand and arm; amputation below the knee of his right leg, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jake has undergone 46 operations, 23 blood transfusions, and countless hours of rehabilitation. Jake will tell you his physical injuries weren’t the worst that happened to him. For years he dreaded his TBI and PTSD diagnosis; a common mindset among warriors. "Physical pain reminds you you’re alive, mental pain tests your will to stay that way", is a saying that Jake says often in regards to suffering mentally.

Jake has become a staunch advocate for maximizing the potential in people from all walks of life and shares his story and the effects of being severely wounded at public speaking engagements throughout the country to motivate people to better tomorrow than they were today, and raise awareness to the epidemic of the 22 warriors that die by suicide every day.

 

A passionate and fearless leader whose quick wit and stories of intestinal fortitude have a profound impact on everyone he meets, Jake has appeared on James Gandolfini’s HBO special “Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq,” as well as “60 Minute Sports” and various other local and national venues.  Jake also plays a role in Clint Eastwood's production of “American Sniper.” You can read Jake’s Open Letter To Warriors and his eloquent wisdom on resilience in Psychology Today.

Semper Fidelis & God Bless,

Jacob Schick