Hauppauge, NY - November 2013 - On Tuesday, November 19th, Legislator Sarah Anker recognized retired US Navy Lieutenant Bernadette Beckwell before the Suffolk County Legislature. While serving as a Lieutenant in the US Navy in 2007, Beckwell’s troop was assigned to scouting remote locations in Afghanistan. During a mission, her plane was struck by enemy fire and Beckwell’s troop was forced to complete the mission on land via cargo truck. The overland journey was an extremely uncomfortable ride in which Beckwell was forced to sit beneath a metal bar, as the truck crossed over the rough Afghani terrain, causing her to suffer severe head injuries and spinal nerve damage.
Although Lieutenant Beckwell underwent great distress, she returned home to become a symbol of resilience. She continues to participate in the Wounded Warrior Project where she is able to share her story with other veterans.
“As the daughter of a disabled Navy veteran, I am proud to recognize Lieutenant Beckwell for her courageous service to our country,” said Legislator Anker. “Her story is one of perseverance and strength, and reminds us how fortunate we are to have the brave men and women of the armed forces to protect our freedom.”
Lieutenant Beckwell, formerly of Ridge, now resides in Miller Place with her service dog Tucker. She shared that golf has helped her to cope with her experiences and that she recently joined the Birchwood Spring Lake Veterans Group for its annual Golf Outing to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.