Hero Report: Tracy Reep
 In 1988, while attending Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, Tracy Reep joined the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) as an elective. He enjoyed it so much he decided to join the local Texas Army National Guard unit as a way to help pay for school. He graduated with honors from Artillery Basic training in 1989, joined his guard unit in Wichita Falls, and served with distinction there for the next 13 years. Along the way, Tracy received multiple awards for outstanding performance in his Military Occupational specialty, Leadership and Physical Fitness. Tracy enjoyed having the ability to work part-time as a soldier while continuing his education. In January 2003, Tracy’s unit, the 2nd/20th Field Artillery 4th Infantry Division, was called to active duty. The unit was deployed in Iraq three months later. The 2nd/20th Field Artillery 4th Infantry Division was immediately stationed in Northwest Baghdad, in the area known today as the Sunni triangle.
 On November 11th, 2003, Tracy’s unit was ambushed about 20 miles northwest of its’ main base. A group of insurgents initiated the ambush with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), small arms fire and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). The unit had been instructed to attempt to eliminate the group if they were ambushed. The unit was stopped on an elevated dirt road and was taking on small arms fire. Tracy exited his vehicle and moved to the rear of it for cover. Shortly after taking up a firing position, an RPG was fired outside of Tracy’s field of vision. The grenade entered and exited the vehicle. Tracy took the blast to his left hand, elbow, shoulder and face. He lost the ring and small fingers on his left hand and vision in his left eye. He was immediately sent via medivac to Londsthul, Germany, where he was treated before returning to the United States. He arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas on November 16th.
 In April of 2004, while receiving treatment and rehabilitation for his injuries at the hospital, Tracy was introduced to Doug Plank, the Executive VP for The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, at a patient outing to the River Walk in downtown San Antonio. Tracy learned about the Coalition's mission to serve as a clearinghouse of information and support services for severely wounded soldiers and their families. Immediately, Tracy knew he wanted to help veterans and their families made as easy a transition back into civilian society.
Today, Tracy works with Disabled Veteran Office Suppliers (DVOS), a company which was formed to provide employment opportunities to those whose lives have been forever changed by the ravages of war. DVOS is providing employment opportunities to wounded and disabled troops to assist them in their return to a normal life. With a flexible work schedule from their home, DVOS sales reps can comfortably resume work at their own pace, allowing much needed time for recuperation and family. In addition, some DVOS employees will work solely from home as telephone salespeople, soliciting sales from small companies in their hometowns. All DVOS sales representatives have been honorably discharged or retired from active duty. While their disability payments cover many necessities, they don’t allow for any discretionary income.
Tracy and his family, wife Elizabeth and sons Austin (13) and Hunter (11), reside in Grand Prairie, Texas. For his military service, Tracy has received the following awards; Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Award (3), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, NCO Development Medal (2), Texas Meritorious Service Medal (2) and the Combat Infantry Badge. |
