The streets of Boston have been described as looking like a battlefield after Monday's blasts, with victim's injuries much like those of service members coming home from war.
Vietnam veteran, Dan Oakland, says he relates to the victims of yesterday's explosions. He stepped on a land mine more than 40 years ago.
“When I came down on my back on the hilltop, I felt around. I didn’t feel any pain until I sat up and I knew that my leg was gone,” said Oakland.
Eric McElvenny says he also can relate. Less than two years ago, he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan.
Both Oakland and McElvenny lost a leg on the battlefield, but at the Challenged Athletes Foundation, they win every day when it comes to living life on their terms.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation is a worldwide organization headquartered in San Diego that supports people with disabilities to help them get involved in sports.
Oakland is now an avid cyclist and hiker, and McElvenny ran the Marine Corps marathon less than a year after his injury. Now McElvenny's training to compete in an Ironman Triathlon.
“For the most part, the challenges I overcame made me a better person", said McElvenny.
Both Oakland and McElvenny say for the victims of the Boston explosions, the road ahead will not be easy. But they hope their experience may be a source of inspiration.
“Have patience, have faith, and everything is going to be okay, and there’s' nothing you can't do in life if you really want to do it,” said Dan. "You’re going to overcome obstacles and challenges that you never thought you could, you’re going to inspire other people and you’re going to be extremely strong," said Eric.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation has set up a fund for those injured in Boston. For more, go to their website.