Col. Tim Karcher defines a disability as a series of challenges, something to overcome. Those with disabilities have the choice about how to handle the challenges, just as Karcher did four years ago.

“You figure it out,” he told attendees at Fort Hood’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month observance Oct. 17 at III Corps Headquarters, which also included interactive displays and information booths. “I have good days and I have bad days.”

Karcher lost both of his legs above the knee in June 2009 in Sadr City, Iraq, when an explosively-formed projectile tore through the humvee of the then-2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division commander.

“It was kind of a rough day,” Karcher said. “It led to a rough summer.”

Since his injury and decision to continue his Army career, Karcher’s gait and cane have prompted questions and puzzled looks, but the Operational Test Command G-3 handles those queries with humor and directness.

During his remarks at the Fort Hood observance, Karcher shared some of experiences he has had with others who are shocked that he continues to serve following his injuries. He said events such as Fort Hood’s observance raise awareness of the challenges a disabled person faces, but also highlights what a person can do with a disability.

“You have to get past pre-conceived notions that most people won’t admit to having,” Karcher said, adding that it is human nature to assume someone with a disability is likely slow or unable to do certain tasks.

One preconceived notion is that of being handicapped, which Karcher is not.

“I define being handicapped by stuff you can’t do anymore,” the colonel said. “There’s a personal choice, deciding to be handicapped or disabled.”

He said it was a choice about how he would face his new reality.

“There are ways to deal with these things and get past the impairment,” he said.

Karcher had help from his supportive Family, especially his wife, Alesia, who is a physical therapist.

“My wife forces me to figure things out,” he said.

More than four years after his injury, Karcher walks with a cane and prosthetic legs, but he’s still the same person and infantry officer he was before the injury.

“Getting through something like this is a lot easier than it seems,” Karcher said of his injury. “You have two choices – you can sit around and cry or you can get over it. The choices aren’t that extreme.”

For Karcher, continuing to serve was not a question.

“Just because you might be banged up doesn’t mean you can’t still do something,” he said.

The capacity in which he could stay in the Army was what changed for Karcher, an infantry officer.

“I had to manage my own expectations,” Karcher said. “I work harder now than I did before because I want to prove to others I’m as good as or better than anyone else. I like to excel.”

He encouraged employers to look past a disability and see the person and what they bring to the table.

“Disabled people are good at figuring out how to make the world work for them,” Karcher said.

Those considering hiring a veteran with disabilities will get someone who understands teamwork, loyalty, mission accomplishment and leadership, he added.

Just because someone has a disability does not necessarily mean they do not want to work or that they cannot work.

“I can do everything I used to do,” he said, noting that running is one of the few exceptions. “In the last four years, I’ve slowed down. I see the blessings now.”

After Karcher’s comments, a disability fair showcased new assistive technologies and accessibility tools in the III Corps Headquarters’ East Atrium.

Representatives presented information about laws protecting those with disabilities, as well as programs and devices for those with disabilities.