OSHKOSH, Wis. — An Army veteran is heading to the Super Bowl with the help of a fellow Wisconsinite and other organizations.
Staff Sgt. Adam Alexander won the trip based on his personal journey.
Alexander was shot in the head by a sniper while attempting to defend a fire base in Afghanistan. After being flown back to the United States, he was given a 5% chance to live.
He lost his right eye, part of his frontal lobe, and had to endure months of physical and mental therapy.
Now he struggles with short-term memory loss and is getting used to life with one eye.
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and United States Automobile Association (USAA) partnered to send one veteran from America to the Super Bowl.
After receiving many submissions, it came down to Alexander and one other deserving veteran.
To make the final decision, the organizations told the two to pick a number between 1-100.
Alexander picked 29 because it was the day his daughter was born and the day of his marriage anniversary.
Twenty-nine just happened to be the number on the dot. The war veteran hopes to use his time in the spotlight to spread his message.
“I’ve tried to use my visibility and story to help inspire people to get through adversity that they’re going through, whether it’s big or small, like to go out and tell my story to schools or organizations, whoever is interested in hearing it,” said Alexander.
One way Alexander spreads his message is by being a host on a television program named “The Outpost.”
It gives other veterans the opportunity to talk about their experiences. The show also provides valuable information to veterans about benefits and other news.
Alexander will be heading to Las Vegas to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. He’ll be accompanied by his father-in-law, who is a Vietnam-era veteran.
He will also be the special guest of former Wisconsin Badger T.J. Watt. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year made the announcement on social media.
Army vet SSGT Adam Alexander is living proof that those from the heartland have huge hearts! Along with @USAA and @DAVHQ, I’m honored to send a Purple Heart recipient and fellow Wisconsinite to #SuperBowlLVIII in Las Vegas #SaluteToService #ad pic.twitter.com/obMDuOgkKE
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 23, 2024
Alexander said he will continue to help veterans in need after the game. The Green Bay fan said he does not care who wins the game, but his prediction is 27-24 Chiefs.