WASHINGTON – Former Navy Master Diver Carl Brashear, whose story was portrayed in the movie “Men of Honor,” was the featured speaker at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability workshop here today.
“The movie told only part of Master Chief Brashear’s story,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “He was not just a great diver. He is a courageous and inspirational leader. With every step he takes, he shows what can be accomplished with hard work and an unwillingness to accept defeat.”
Brashear, who retired in 1979 as a Master Chief Petty Officer, the Navy’s highest enlisted rank, overcame the loss of his left leg below the knee to become the first black master diver in U.S. Navy history.
In a ceremony earlier today, Principi recognized Brashear’s efforts to raise public awareness and support of veterans, active duty service members and their families.
“When I lost my leg back in 1966, I viewed myself not as being handicapped or even being disabled. I just viewed it as an inconvenience,” said Brashear. In describing what sustained him through his rehabilitation and successful struggle for re-instatement to full active military duty and diving status, he added, “You’ve got to know yourself, set your goals and work hard to achieve them. Be dedicated, persevere, have a ‘can-do’ spirit and maintain a good attitude.”
The vocational rehabilitation and education workshop that Brashear addressed was held at the Army and Navy Club in Washington in observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
