Sgt. Adam Hartswick was granted a day’s leave from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he’s rehabilitating after losing both legs in Afghanistan in May. He left Bethesda, Md., at 3:30 a.m. for State College and this afternoon, rode in the 4th Fest ‘Parade of Heroes.’
Hartswick, 22, was serving as a combat medic when he was injured by an explosive device as he helped other injured soldiers. His homecoming has been greatly anticipated by his family, friends and other supporters. The 2009 State College graduate is humble and grateful, and his outlook is positive.
“Every time I come home, I love coming home,” Hartswick says. “But I can’t stay long enough. It’s odd to be home this fast. I thought it was going to take a long time at first, but I realize I’m healthy and I’m strong.
“It’s crazy, my whole high school supported me,” he says. “I’m nervous, honestly. I’ve never done something like this before, and I’ve never been in the public’s eye like this. It’s nerve-racking. You know, I’m sure every other soldier in the military can vouch for me. You don’t ever consider yourself a hero. It’s always your brothers who are the heroes, and the guys that are fighting [overseas] right now who are the heroes.”
Hartswick says he keeps going, pushing himself, for his friends, the soldiers who died the same day he lost his legs. He says pulls his determination and will from all of the men and women who laid down their lives fighting to perserve the freedoms every United States citizen enjoys.
It’s still early in his road to a full recovery, but Hartswick not only believes he’ll walk again but wants to return to combat. He’s met other soliders with similar injuries who have encouraged him to keep up his rehabilitation.
“All they tell me is, ‘It gets better, man.’ You always have to tell yourself, ‘Keep going,’” Hartswick says.
Hartswick’s father, Sean, an Army first sergeant, and Adam’s mother, Morgan Hummel, were at their son’s side on Thursday. They’re thrilled to have their son back, especially after everything he’s been through.
“We do everything for the great people of this nation. When it comes right down to it, and you’re in a desperate situation, yeah, you’re with the U.S. Military, you’re fighting for the United States of America, but you’re fighting for your brothers, left and right,” Sean Hartswick says. “That love is what gets you through the worst situations. It’s the deepest love a human could ever feel.”
Adam’s parents may be thrilled to have him home, but Sean Hartswick says he’s not surprised his son wants to go back overseas. The support Hartswick has received since coming home and starting his recovery at Walter Reed has been overwhelming.
“He’s still got some injuries. He’s in a lot of pain, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Sean Hartswick says. “He said, ‘Dad get me up there,’ and we made it in record time. We’re also fighting the fact that he’s in a lot of pain, and still on medication.
“He gets time with his friends … We’re just happy to be here. Adam’s loving it. Great community, great people here. We can’t say enough for all of the support he’s received.”
And while many members of the public lined up curbside along College Avenue to watch the parade in anticipation of floats, dancers, bands and free candy, their thoughts lingered on Hartswick and the other heroes in the parade.
A group of Penn State freshman took in their first 4th Fest and say it’s been a great time so far. They can’t wait for the fireworks and say there was so much energy in the parade.
Shirey Seigworth didn’t know his name before, but says all she could say was ‘Wow’ when she saw Hartswick go by. “It was so sad,” she says. “But it was good he was here.”
The parade was a celebration of the men and women who have served their country and are now home in State College, so the students were also able to enjoy live entertainment as it passed them on the streets. There were local high school bands, dance teams, and more.
“The Jazzercize [team] was amazing,” Kasey Feather says, and her friend, Joe McMahon added, “There was a lot of energy. There was so much, everybody from all over.”
4th Fest continues into the evening hours, with a carnival around Beaver Stadium and a spectacular fireworks show after dark.
Hartswick returns to Walter Reed tonight, but the support from home won’t taper off. A Facebook group, called “Adam’s Brigade,” was created to publicize fundraising events held around State College to ensure Hartswick and his family have his medical costs taken care of while he rehabilitates. A spaghetti dinner and dance will be held at 4:30 p.m. July 13 at the American Legion Post 245.
More information is available here.
