Warhorse Champions Series: Brian “SGT BigCountry” Conwell

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From Combat to Competition — A Veteran’s Undaunted Journey to the National Stage

The Undaunted Warhorse Initiative (UWI) firmly believes that service doesn’t stop at discharge and resilience doesn’t retire. The Warhorse Champions Series is our national campaign dedicated to spotlighting veterans who exemplify excellence, from athletics and business to community leadership, while offering the public a powerful way to support authentic stories of triumph beyond service.

These aren’t just stories of competition or achievement. They’re stories of perseverance, redemption, and purpose... proof that who you become isn’t defined by what happened to you.

Today, we are honored to introduce the very first veteran in this series: Brian “SGT BigCountry” Conwell.

A Warrior’s Story

Brian Conwell is a disabled Army veteran whose courage and character shine as brightly as the medals he’s earned. He served for nearly a decade and deployed overseas until a life-altering accident on January 7, 2014. While driving to get lunch for his men at Fort Riley, Kansas, his vehicle hit black ice, skidded off a 150-foot ravine, and crushed both legs. His left leg was amputated above the knee; his right leg was reconstructed with 30 screws, four plates, and a 10-inch rod. At the time, doctors told him he would never walk again 

The following six years were among the most challenging of Brian’s life. He battled severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD, struggles that brought him to the brink, even contemplating ending his life .

But in September 2020, something shifted. Determined to honor his role as a husband and father, Brian stood up—literally—and took his first steps at home. He surprised his son on his 20th birthday by walking for the first time since his injury. By February 2021, he had made the gym his new battlefield, exclusively training five to six days a week.

From Rehabilitation to Paralympic Competitor

Brian's path from recovery to athletic excellence is nothing short of remarkable.

  • Adaptive Sports: In August 2021, Brian discovered adaptive sports and fell in love with shot put and discus. Since then, he has won 29 medals to date across national competitions and represented Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games.

  • Wheelchair Basketball: He earned his Paralympic license and now plays professionally with the Rollin Hornets wheelchair basketball team.

  • Paralympic Ambition: Brian is officially licensed as a Paralympic athlete and is preparing for a potential spot on Team USA for the 2028 Paralympic Games.

  • Motivation & Message: “My disabilities have made my life absolutely amazing,” Brian shares. “They actually pushed me to be better both inside and out.” His tattoos tell the story... one reads “soldier,” another features a U.S. flag “coming out from underneath the skin,” reminding him to never quit.

A National-Stage Mission

Brian is preparing to compete at the 2025 USATF Outdoor National Championships, the Olympic and Paralympic qualifier televised nationwide by NBC. A strong showing would put him in contention for Team USA and the World Finals.

But this isn’t just about athletic glory, it’s about representing every veteran who has had to rebuild from rock bottom. Brian is competing not only for a medal but for purpose, visibility, and the affirmation that life can be rebuilt after trauma.

Why It Matters to UWI

At Undaunted Warhorse, we support veterans facing homelessness, unemployment, current incarceration, and other challenges. Brian’s journey from despair to determination mirrors the transformation we aim to inspire. He proves that with the right mindset, mentorship, and momentum, recovery is possible, and greatness is within reach.

How You Can Stand With Brian

Thanks to the generous support of VetComm – VA Disability Compensation Services, Brian’s hotel costs for the national championship have been fully covered.

Remaining needs include gear, on-site preparation, meals, and recovery tools, which could still total up to $2,000–$3,000 depending on final costs.

Your contribution doesn’t just support Brian, it fuels the broader Warhorse Champions Series and helps us inspire and equip more veterans like him across the country.

Here's how you can play a key role:

Key Details

Detail    Information
Name    Brian “SGT BigCountry” Conwell
Background    Army veteran, above-knee amputation
Sports    Shot put, discus, wheelchair basketball
Event    2025 USATF Outdoor National Championships
Location    Eugene, Oregon
Dates    July 30 – August 3, 2025
Goal    $5,000 (equipment, food, prep)
Coverage    NBC televised Paralympic/Team USA qualifier

Brian isn't just raising money, he’s shaping the narrative of what real service looks like. We're proud to feature him in our Warhorse Champions Series.

Stay with us as we continue to bring forward stories that ignite hope, redefine resilience, and elevate the standard of what recovery looks like.

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