Army veteran reflects during Independence Day

WASILLA — Tyler Hall retired from the Army 15 years ago, sooner than he could have planned for.

Hall nearly died after an improvised explosive device exploded under his vehicle in Iraq. Fifteen years later, he said that he reflects on his service more often on holidays like Veteran’s Day or Independence Day.

“It feels like it’s America’s birthday, it’s pretty exciting to get people excited about it,” Hall said.

Hall lost the lower half of one of his legs from the explosion, suffered burns across his face and hands and damage to his back, according to a previous Frontiersman article from 2003.

But Hall has worked to overcome the obstacles, and is not letting the traumatic injuries he suffered in combat prevent him meeting his goals.

“Fortunately, it’s been pretty good,” Hall said.

Since then, he’s received a prostatic leg and finished a 5-kilometer race in Anchorage, alongside fellow veterans from the Battle Dawgs. He has one of the blade, or hook, style prosthetics and said that for the most part, he is able to get around fairly well with some mild back pain here and there. He said that he finished the race before a few of his fellow veterans and couldn’t resist some light teasing.

“It would almost be wrong if I didn’t,” he laughed.

Since Hall came home, he’s periodically sought help and gave help to other veterans through groups and organizations like Battle Dawgs and the Veteran’s Association.

“They’ve always been there,” Hall said, referring to several representatives from the community.

Hall said that traditionally, he usually spends his July 4 like many other Americans, wafting over barbeques, surrounding by friends and family.

“We’re still free,” he said.

Some years, he said that he also tries to catch the annual parade in Wasilla and will likely go this year, and hopes to run into fellow veterans while he catches up with the community.

“It’s a gigantic honor,” he said.

He noted that since Independence Day landed on a Wednesday, he essentially celebrated early this year, on Tuesday, having the traditional BBQ with his friends and family.

“I think it’s more of a uniting thing; people kind of understand they’re in this too in this experiment of democracy,” Hall said.

Prior the explosion, Hall was unsure if he was going to re-enlist or start work as a civilian. He was 20 days away from the day of decision when everything changed.

”Whatever passion comes to you…” he said.

Already holding skills with demolitions and engineering, he considered a military career as an engineer sergeant that included learning multiple languages, more medical training, cross-training in multiple disciplines, communication skills, and so on. He also considered becoming a civil engineer.

Hall said it was hard to leave his team but he had to go. He said the sense of camaraderie in the military both active and after was second to none.

“You always know those people are wanting to make the most out of it,” he said.

Hall’s passion fell on forming closer bond with his family and supporting other veterans while discovering himself, all in general.

Currently, most of Hall’s focus lies on his college education. He has two associate degrees and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in property management. He said that he has just a little more than two years left to finish.

“Sometimes you want to disconnect and not a part of it [society] and say, ‘it’s not my mess.’ It’s nice to actually get along and celebrate our [Americans] accomplishments from the years,” he said.

“How do you get around?” some people ask Hal and he often replies, “Sometimes you don’t really think about it on good days and others you have to kick yourself in the rear to get going.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at Jacob.mann@frontiersman.com.