Army SGT Chris Short

Jupiter, Fl

Chris Short was a sophomore at the University of Arkansas during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Witnessing the events unfold on American soil motivated him to enlist in the military. He joined the Army as an Infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, deploying to Afghanistan in 2004.

On March 29, 2005, during his first deployment, Sergeant Short was returning to his base when his vehicle drove over two anti-tank mines in Oruzgan, Afghanistan. SGT Short lost his right leg, sustained severe damage to his left limb, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other injuries in the blast.

Chris worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for over a decade before retiring in the spring of 2024. He is a proud father to his daughter, Caroline, who is active in the Navy Sea Cadet Corps, and the American Veterans Chapter. She’s also a member of the National Junior Honor Society and plays the clarinet in her school’s marching band. Both Chris and Caroline are wakesurfers and enjoy competing in events together for Wake for Warriors.

While Chris doesn’t let his injuries stop him from moving forward in his life, they present new problems as he ages. His current home is not wheelchair accessible, forcing which him to wear his prosthetic to navigate from room to room. He also risks injuring himself while hopping one leg to access the shower. Receiving a specially adapted custom HFOT home will enable him to rest and recover safely, allowing him to spend more quality time with Caroline.

Regaining his independence within his home will give Chris the time and energy to give back to his community. He has volunteered with several organizations including Veteran’s Villages of America and the Arkansas Freedom Fund. He’s also involved with Team Semper Fi, Wake for Warriors, West Palm Beach Veteran’s Golf Club at First Tee, and the Veteran’s community fishing program.

Originally from Arkansas, Chris is choosing to build his home in Florida, where he currently lives, for the warm climate and Veteran-friendly community.

Chris wants HFOT’s donors and supporters to know their contributions will be going toward a worthy cause. “When you help a Veteran heal, you are not just helping that Veteran and their family, you are also helping a community heal as well as this country. This program sets the recipients up for long-term success and independent living. I can’t think of a better cause.”

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