TWG Honorary Co-Chair Noah Galloway Inspires Rotarians to Live with ‘No Excuses’
RCB President Chuck Redden with Rotarian John Kemp and guest speaker Noah Galloway.
The Rotary Club of Birmingham welcomed Noah Galloway, The World Games 2022 Honorary Co-Chair, as its featured speaker for the first meeting of the 2022-23 year.
Galloway shared his inspirational story, finding purpose and direction when the attacks of 9/11 prompted him to enlist in the Army. A 2005 IED attack during Operation Iraqi Freedom claimed his left leg and left arm, ending his military career and causing him extreme physical and mental anguish.
Noah described his how his children, support from the Lakeshore Foundation and his “No excuses” mantra motivated him through an incredible journey out of post trauma depression via his passion for fitness. Success in fitness competitions led him to appear on the cover of Men’s Health magazine, as a finalist on Dancing with the Stars, winner of American Grit and to become a motivational speaker and author charged with carrying the American flag into The World Games Opening Ceremony.
“I had that honor of running that flag into The World Games and it was one of those moments that was incredible. It was honor not just as a veteran, but as an Alabamian," Galloway said. "I encourage you to always remember where we've come from and where we're going, because that's what's all-important."
About Noah Galloway
Sergeant Noah Galloway, a Birmingham native, is the personification of valor and resilience. This Purple Heart awarded, double amputee decided to join the military as a result of the September 11th terror attacks. However, his battles didn’t end in the field when he was forced to adapt to a life with only two limbs after an IED attack during Operation Iraqi Freedom which would take his left leg above the knee and his left arm above the elbow. Noah’s incredible journey to mental and physical wellness is one that he shares in his memoir titled Living with No Excuses; the Remarkable Rebirth of an American Soldier. Those words, “No Excuses,” became Noah’s mantra, as he rose out of a post trauma depression via his reinvigorating passion for fitness.
His victories at what one would expect him to see as impossible competition and obstacle races would find Noah gaining a national spotlight. He become the first veteran and amputee to be featured on the cover of Men’s Health magazine earning their “Ultimate Guy” title in 2014 and landing him on the Ellen show. Noah also became a finalist on the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars and would win the debut season of FOX’s American Grit.
As a result of the honorable position he gained with a national platform, Noah wanted to give back, so he launched the No Excuses Charitable Fund, which raises money and awareness for organizations that support causes which mean the most to Noah. Now, as a fitness enthusiast and motivational sought-after public speaker, Noah shares his story to encourage audiences and his fans to embrace the “No Excuses” lifestyle on their way to an enhanced mental and physical wellness.
Click here to read a BhamNow story covering Noah’s presentation to the Rotary Club of Birmingham.