COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO - When Tyson Schmidt closes his eyes and thinks about life right now, he'll tell you that he's in a good spot. But getting to that point , has not been easy.
Not long ago, Schmidt's life was in a self-proclaimed downward spiral. He was getting a divorce, and suffered a horrendous leg injury. The constant pain he was feeling in his leg, and his personal struggles were taking a toll.
"I was done," Schmidt said. "I packed up my house, and I didn't want to live anymore."
Tyson says that he contemplated suicide, but didn't go through with it. Somehow, he ended up getting approval to go to the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
"People always say that God works in mysterious ways," Schmidt said. " With everything I was going through, I kind of cursed God. Why would you put me through this? But, looking back at it, I know what you were doing. God does work in mysterious ways."
With the help of the crew at the Center for the Intrepid, Tyson was able to adapt. He became a below-the-knee amputee, and less than two weeks ago, he medically retired from the Navy.
"CFI saved my life," Schmidt said. " If I wouldn't have gotten referred there, I wouldn't be here. They hit every facet that a veteran needs to heal and recover."
Now, Schmidt is working on a new life, and becoming a standout athlete at the Warrior Games.
"The old part of me that was in a bad spot is gone," Schmidt added, "it's dead and that part is finished. Now, I'm just trying to find out where I fit and where I belong"
A big part of that new beginning is happening in this year's Warrior Games. Tyson is competing with fellow military athletes, and he will take part in the Invictus Games this August. He also hopes to qualify for the Paralympics. As nice as the athletic recognition is, he's also happy that his Navy family is growing and backing him along the way.
"A lot of the teams that I've met," Schmidt said, "especially from Team Navy are going to be friends for life. Supportive, amazing people that really helped me with what I would struggle with."
His new life is also going to happen in his new hometown. Tyson bought a house in University City, and he's excited to call Military City, USA his new home.
"I love Texas," Schmidt says with a smile. " I'm not an official resident, but I'm working on that honorary status. I've got to pass the test first."