Motivational speaker inspires Team Scott Monday Published April 8, 2009 By 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office 375th AW PA SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Life is affected by all changes, but sometimes one change can be life altering. Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Dana Bowman's body, career and perspective were changed in one moment. Mr. Bowman visited Team Scott Monday to share his story of accepting changes and overcoming obstacles, while still fulfilling goals. As an Army Golden Knight skydiving team member and Special Forces Soldier in 1994, Mr. Bowman and his partner were demonstrating the Diamond Track. Both men were wearing smoke-producing wingtips to etch a diamond shape in the sky. Their plan was to crisscross going at a combined speed of 300 miles per hour, but they collided. His partner, Sgt. Jose Aguillon, did not survive this accident. Mr. Bowman's legs were severed, one above the knee and one below. During his rehabilitation, Mr. Bowman maintained a positive attitude. Nine months later, he became the first amputee member of the Golden Knights. He was also the first amputee to reenlist in active duty and the first to skydive on prosthetic legs into a reenlistment ceremony. Now Mr. Bowman continues to impact lives through motivational speeches, television programs and magazine and newspaper articles. He is currently working on a movie and a book. "It's great to open people's minds to the possibilities of amputees--and of everyone who has dreams," said Mr. Bowman who was named the 1995 Veteran of the Year. "If my accomplishments motivate others--not just amputees--to try new activities, my mission is achieved. We face challenges everyday; it is overcoming those challenges that makes us stronger." He also helps design prosthetic limbs to make them function better. Mr. Bowman has a bachelor's degree in commercial aviation from the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. He can fly multi-engine craft, helicopters and seaplanes. He is also fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language.