1st Lt. John Arroyo believes he's been given a second chance at life.
Arroyo was one of 16 soldiers who were wounded when Army Spc. Ivan Lopez opened fire on Ft. Hood one year ago. Four soldiers died, including Lopez, after he turned his .45 caliber handgun on himself.
The bullet from Lopez' weapon tore through Arroyo's throat, ripped apart the nerves in his left arm and was lodged in his shoulder blade. The damage was severe. Doctors thought Arroyo would never talk or use his left arm again.
One year later Arroyo speaks as clearly as ever. He does have permanent damage, which limits the use of his right arm, but the Green Beret doesn't give up. Shortly after the shooting on April 2, 2014 Arroyo was moved to the Center For the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston.
Everyday Arroyo is at the center for physical and occupational therapy. He said it has made all the difference in the world.
He credits a higher power for his second chance at life. Arroyo believes, "doctors practice medicine, but God is who heals!"
He said as he lay there bleeding profusely, he heard a voice telling him to get up. With blood gushing from his neck and breathing shallowly, Arroyo stood and headed toward the only person he saw.
That person turned out to be Lopez, the shooter. But something prevented Lopez from noticing Arroyo, even though he was only 10 feet away.
Other soldiers called out to Arroyo, as he made his way toward them they rushed to stop the bleeding. He said the doctors and nurses who performed surgery and the others wounded that day are the real heroes of the day.
Arroyo also said the day taught him a life lesson.
"Focus on today and not tomorrow," he said. "And I don't sacrifice my family for anything!"
