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US Soldier Who Lost Four Limbs In Explosion Opening Retreat To Help Others

Elise Amendola
/
AP Photo
U.S. Army staff sergeant Travis Mills poses for a photo on his couch in Manchester, Maine, on June 15, 2017.

ROME, Maine — A U.S. Army staff sergeant who lost four limbs in a blast in Afghanistan is opening a summer retreat to help those who suffered severe war injuries.

Travis Mills credits his family as much as the medical team for helping him to recover. He's paying it forward by bringing the wounded and their families to Maine to continue their recovery.

His lakeside retreat will be dedicated this weekend after a top-to-bottom overhaul that included accessibility improvements.

This summer, the retreat will serve 56 families free of charge.

Mills, 30, said it's important for families to recover together and for veterans to learn that they don't have to sit on the sidelines while their families enjoy recreational activities. They'll do things together, including kayaking, fishing and tubing.