Wounded War Hero Inspires Troops

HOUSTON - Thousands of troops were honored at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wednesday on Salute the Troops night. Among the many heroes, we met an exceptionally dedicated soldier inspiring everyone he meets.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Karcher was shot in the shoulder in Iraq back in 2006. After just 5 months of healing at home that included 7 surgeries, he chose to go back to war.

"My unit was over there, they were taking casualties. It felt terrible to be here, it felt wrong," he said.

Reunited with his troops, Karcher was in Baghdad last summer for the historic transfer of power from the U.S. to the Iraqis.

"I'm really proud that we gave them a chance, we gave them a chance at freedom," he said.

But 10 days after that historic day, Karcher's vehicle was bombed. He lost both of his legs in the explosion.

"I'm very proud of him, he's fought for his life, he fought the whole summer to stay alive and he's taking it and running with it, he's so positive," said Alesia Karcher, Tim's wife.

Karcher says the tragedy of losing his legs made him realize what he still had including a wife and three children who need him.

"I could sit around and have a pity party everyday, but it's not going to grow my legs back," he said. "Life kicks you in the teeth every now and again, you get to decide how you react to it."

Karcher will continue his rehabilitation in San Antonio where he expects to get prosthetic legs in the coming weeks.