Michael Ricci: Life After the Marines

I served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2009 as a Network Communication Specialist. While serving, I had two separate 13-month deployments to both Fallujah and Ramadi, Iraq where I was driving Humvees on convoys or fixing communication gear on remote outposts.

After leaving the Marines, I moved to Colorado and then Utah where I picked up paragliding. In April 2020, I was injured in a paragliding accident where I broke 14 bones and suffered a SCI at my L5 which has resulted in dealing with a limited range of motion and reduced muscle power in my left leg, along with chronic pain.

Due to my injuries, I was not able to return to paragliding and was struggling with depression. However, after joining WAS, I was able to stay active and discover new activities that were both obtainable and rewarding. I have also been able to connect with other participants who were dealing with life-altering injuries as well. Since joining WAS, I have taken a keen interest in riding a recumbent bike (I’m excited that I’ll finally be getting one of my own by the end of 2022). Eventually, I am hoping to be able to bike across the entire state of Utah from north to south.