Terrorist attack survivor from North Carolina opens wrestling gym
GULF BREEZE, FL (WEAR) — On the one year anniversary of the tragic attack at NAS Pensacola, one of the survivors is opening a new children’s wrestling gym in Gulf Breeze.
Ryan Blackwell, retired Navy airman, says the opening of this gym was something positive he wanted to bring out of a gruesome event.
“Regardless of the issue of how many wounds I had and any of that it didn’t ring a bell with me I just knew that the only chance of survival to put a plan in action and that’s what we did,” said Blackwell.
He suffered injuries in his abdomen and arm.
“It was a roller coaster, I had a colostomy bag for I had a paralyzed right hand because my medium nerve being hit so my fingers weren’t working well at the time, a lot of sleepless restless nights,” Blackwell adds.
What has gotten him through this past year is the support from his family and his wrestling students.
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