In Bob Wieland's world, obstacles create opportunities and conquests breed inspiration.
In Tim McGraw�s song �WE CARRY ON� there is a lyric, �when our lives come undone, we carry on cause there�s promise in the morning sun, we carry on as the dark surrenders to the dawn, we were born to overcome, we carry on�.
The Aftermath Of A Volatile Year And The Challenges Ahead
As the market crawls to the finish line of one of the most volatile years in history, investors around the world contemplate the challenges and uncertainties which lie ahead in the year to come. It is questions like:
- What will be the outcome of the European Debt Crisis?
- Will a bank contagion result in bringing the economy to its knees as it did a few short years ago?
- Will our government finally come to an agreement in how to handle our sky rocketing deficit?
- Will the deficit solution involve severe tax increases or excessive cuts in the military which will affect our national security; making us less safe from those enemies who want nothing more than to do us harm?
- Is this unprecedented volatility caused by fear and uncertainty going to end badly, as volatility often does, as investors grow weary of seeing their life savings fluctuate so violently from one day to the next?
It�s difficult to find inspiration heading into the next year with some of the highest levels of unemployment we�ve seen in decades combined with high levels of poverty. What will happen to those most in need who are not able to help themselves or those that rely on a government that has recklessly spent tax payer money and seems to be in a perpetual stalemate as to what to do about it?
Waiting For A Hero To Emerge From The Ashes
We keep hearing, �be optimistic, markets tend to do well in election years�. As if some politician has the answers and he or she will bring this country back to prosperity, people will find jobs and we will see the end of poverty. We will accomplish this while strengthening our military and taking care of those who willingly sacrifice their lives to protect us and the freedom we cherish.
As our politicians continue to try to destroy each other for the sake of protecting their political futures instead of sacrificing themselves for the sake of the hard working Americans who are struggling, it�s difficult to believe that a hero will emerge.
When It Seems Like All Hope Is Lost � A Hero Emerges
If this were a Hollywood movie, the ideal time for a hero to emerge is when it seems that all hope is lost. One day, while sitting at my desk working endless hours after a year of facing the challenges and obstacles which the world economy has created, trying to help the business owners I represent face what seems like insurmountable challenges in the year ahead and the uncertainty retirees face after years of working hard for those few golden years of retirement � my hero emerged. In movies, I always like the idea of an unlikely hero and my unlikely hero was double amputee Vietnam Veteran war hero, Bob Wieland.
He Lost His Legs But He Didn�t Lose His Heart
Bob lost both legs in Vietnam when he stepped on a landmine while trying to save a fellow soldier. He was declared dead and put in a body bag alongside all of those brave heroes who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. It was an orderly who saw him moving in the body bag � he lost his legs but didn�t lose his heart and has been grateful to live life to its fullest ever since.
Upon returning home, Bob dedicated his life to motivating and inspiring people. Bob walked across America on his hands and arms in three years, he�s a four time world record holder in the bench press (competing against people who have legs) with a best lift of 507 lbs., he has completed the New York, Los Angeles and Marine Corp marathon and is the only double amputee to complete the grueling Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii as well as being the strength coach for the Green Bay Packers.
His list of accomplishments since returning home from Vietnam is endless. His disability inspired him to inspire others. The greatest accomplishment being that for each and every achievement, Bob has donated all of the proceeds from generous individuals who have sponsored him to the poor, the hungry and the disheartened who he�s met on his incredible journeys. Bob�s message is always �I lost my legs but I didn�t lose my heart�.
Inspiration When So Many Are So Uninspired � Dream Ride 3Bob and I spoke several times about his latest challenge, Dream Ride 3, where Bob will be riding coast to coast from his Dream Center in Los Angeles to Washington, DC, in an effort to set the world record as the first 65 year old (or older), to ride across America on a three wheeled hand cycle.
Bob will do this to help America reach out to fellow citizens by supporting our heroes: peace officers, firefighters, wounded veterans and youth who all deserve a hand up, as well as those in need due to our challenging economic times. In our conversation, Bob told me that his heart breaks for those in need and it�s his life mission to do what he can to help, motivate and inspire them.
Those Who May Have Legs But Have Lost Heart
In our conversation, we spoke of the many disheartened youth who see no hope or inspiration in their lives. Bob heard about my involvement as Chairmen of the Executive Council of Daytop NJ, an adolescent drug treatment center with 75 inpatient kids who are trying to turn their lives around after suffering the devastating effects of drug addiction.
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