Soldier who lost all 4 limbs hopes book inspires others

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A soldier who lost all four limbs during an explosion in Afghanistan hopes to inspire others with his story of how he recovered from his injuries and got on with his life partly by helping other amputees.

Travis Mills is raising his family, delivering motivational speeches and helping other wounded warriors through his foundation.

With his book, "Tough As They Come," he's added author to his accomplishments.

Mills, 28, was an Army staff sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division on his third deployment when an improvised explosive device detonated when he dropped his backpack on the ground during a foot patrol on April 10, 2012.

The blast disintegrated his right arm and leg.

Collaborating with Marcus Brotherton on a book that Mills describes as equal parts "Saving Private Ryan" and "Forrest Gump" seemed like a logical step because others draw inspiration from the story of a small-town boy from Vassar, Michigan, who's managed to maintain a positive outlook after debilitating injuries.

Tuesday's book-signing event was the first near his hometown of Manchester, Maine, and the store ran out of books.

People need to understand that it's up to them to change their outlook on life and how they view themselves, he said.