Hero Soldier Cites His Family as Inspiration

During a convoy attack in Iraq, Army Captain Alvin Eugene Shell Jr. risked his life to rescue his sergeant and a truck driver.

Still, he is more interested in praising his wife, sons and parents as heroes for supporting him during his recovery from third-degree burns than in taking credit for his brave actions.

"A hero is a person that laces up his shoelaces every single day and doesn't ask to be recognized, doesn't ask for the accolades, or the rewards, or anything," he told American Forces Press Service.

After surviving a gasoline fire, Shell spent 18 months in rehabilitation and therapy and underwent 30 surgeries—all with his family at his side.

Shell's father retired so he could move to Texas and live with his son during his recovery. Meanwhile, his wife Danielle balanced raising their three sons, aged 6, 9 and 9 months, with caring for her husband.

"I think my family and my friends were pivotal," Shell said, explaining that their unconditional love and sacrifices gave him strength and aided his healing.

Five years after he was first injured, he works a fulltime job in the Homeland Security Department and gives thanks for the blessings of family.