28 ID wounded warrior spreads message of resiliency

Photo By Master Sgt. Doug Roles | Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Earl Granville, right, meets with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) March 25, 2015. Granville was Toomey's guest for Afghani president Ashraf Ghani's address to a joint meeting of Congress.  

HARRISBURG, PA, UNITED STATES

05.11.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Doug Roles 

28th Infantry Division

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A 28th Infantry Division wounded warrior is helping to spread the Army’s message of resiliency so his own experience with tragedy can be used to strengthen others. Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Earl Granville of Carbondale, Pa. lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan then lost his twin brother, also an “Iron Division” soldier, to suicide related to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Granville speaks to military and civic groups about his struggle to cope with loss and to find a renewed sense of purpose. He also challenges himself with marathons and mountain climbing, to stay strong in mind and body.

“There is so much bad that happens in our lives, but I believe a good attitude and the right mindset can help you reach goals,” Granville says. “I tell people ‘Keep fighting the good fight.’”

Granville was injured in Zormat, Afghanistan June 3, 2008 when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded next to his Humvee. He was the vehicle gunner at the time and was thrown from the vehicle, landing unconscious. Two passengers in the vehicle were killed in the attack. Granville was medically evacuated. His left leg was amputated in Landstuhl, Germany and he was then sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

As he adjusted to life following his injury and retirement from the military his brother, Joe, an Iraq War veteran committed suicide in 2010.

The Granvilles had enlisted in the 28th Infantry Division’s 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1-109th, in 2001. They served together on tours in Bosnia and Iraq.

“My motive was for college, but after the acts of terrorism on 9/11, while we were in boot camp, it changed into doing something more,” he said. “And I honestly joined all together because Joe and my cousin, Paul Granville, who deployed with us as well to Bosnia and Iraq, were joining.”

“I believe Joe joined because he wanted to be a soldier. Joe was such a great leader. His command noticed him and how he excelled very quickly.”

Following their deployment to Iraq, Joe and Earl resumed the commitments of school, family and work. The years to come saw Joe’s wife, also a 28 ID, Pa. Army National Guard soldier, deploy to Iraq as Joe managed the household and worked at a local prison. Joe helped Earl with his recovery and took a position as a training NCO to prepare soldiers in his unit for deployment.

The 28th’s commander, Maj. Gen. John Gronski, wants his soldiers to have a goal of being fit, resilent and well-trained. That directive has never been more critical.

Military Times reported in January that a new Pentagon report shows Army Guard and Reserve suicide rates remain significantly higher than civilian rates, even though the suicide rate among active-duty U.S. military personnel dropped in 2013 to roughly the same rate as the civilian population adjusted for similar demographics.

The Times reported in 2013 the rate among reservists was 23.4 per 100,000, and among National Guardsmen, 28.9 per 100,000, regardless of whether the deaths occurred while the service members were activated or in drilling status. It’s these statistics the Army’s resiliency programs are fighting. Earl was recognized for his efforts when he was selected by Gronski and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to attend the March 25 joint meeting of Congress as Toomey’s to hear Afghani President Ashraf Ghani speak about Afghanistan’s future. Granville said he was eager to hear Ghani’s address and said he appreciated his remarks about the two countries continuing to work together.

“I was very honored to be selected by Sen. Toomey and Maj. Gen. Gronski. It was a very humbling experience.”

Granville has worked with Operation Proper Exit which helps wounded troops return to the battlefield from which they were medically evacuated. Granville has participated in two trips to Afghanistan and a trip to Iraq.

“It’s a wonderful program,” Granville said. “It enables those wounded soldiers to talk to soldiers still in theater. It gives soldiers closure.”

Currently he works for Operation Enduring Warrior, a veteran operated non-profit organization whose mission is to honor, empower and motivate America’s wounded military service members. The program touts a physical, mental and emotional rehabilitative cycle aimed at helping vets overcome challenges through teamwork.

He has also participated in various physical competitions, such as Tough Mudder events. But he does so with the added weight of a cinder block chained to him.

“I named her Cindy the Cinder,” Granville said. “She represents the military and first responders and, really, anyone who goes through mental hardships.

Additionally, Granville has been spreading the message of resiliency by speaking to military groups, high school and elementary school students “and lots of fellow Keystone warriors.”

“If I can get through these road blocks others can too,” Granville said “I would like to continue to educate military personnel on finding resiliency.”

Granville is pursuing a degree in counseling at the University of Scranton but has taken a year off as he travels to speaking engagements and other events. He plans to climb Mount Everest in the next year or two.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2015
• Date Posted: 05.11.2015 09:20
• Story ID: 162860
• Location: HARRISBURG, PA, US
• Hometown: CARBONDALE, PA, US