Thomas Trosper

Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Trosper chose to serve the U.S. Navy to see the world and to give his life meaning for his family. Coming from generations of military service, with relatives who served on in Korea and Vietnam, Trosper understood the weight and honor of that tradition. In one of the proudest moments of his career, he served on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson as part of the first wave of the 2010 humanitarian response to the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti and helped transported people to receive safe medical care. His career diverted when doctors diagnosed him with a clotting condition, which gave him multiple pulmonary embolisms and a deep vein thrombosis. He connected with one of his prior supervisors during an information session about Navy Wounded Warrior and decided to enroll. After joining adaptive sports, Trosper gravitated to wheelchair basketball as his favorite event. The program changed his perspective on perseverance and courage. Seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength.