“I used to have a neighbor who’d always say, ‘When you rest, you rust’. Well, I don’t ever want to rest and rust to the point where I can’t impact others.” ~ Tony Russell

Tony Russell was only four years old, in preschool, when his mother passed away. She had been having health issues but the suddenness caught everyone off guard. He transitioned through different family members, all doing their best to raise him, but the challenge proved too great and he was given up for adoption. Upon learning this news, Tony’s preschool teacher, Mrs. Russell went home to her military husband and said, “Tony Russell Senior, I know our kids are grown and out of the house and we thought we were done with raising kids, but we are adopting another one.” To which Tony Senior responded, “Yes Ma’am.”

Later in life, Tony followed in his adopted, and beloved, father’s footsteps and pursued a career in the military. While on an air force mission he was injured and died. You did not misread that, Tony Russell was pronounced dead and was deceased for a full 7 minutes before he, just, started breathing again.

Ultimately, staff sergeant Russell spent a month in a coma after the incident when, one day, as he tells it, he just woke up. He’s since experienced many forms of PTSD but his support dogs, Rush and Rip, help him live an active and vibrant life of kindness and appreciation.

A true miracle and a truly exceptional person, I can’t wait for you to hear Tony Russell’s story.

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**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com