Aaron Hale, a 14 year veteran of both the Navy and Army, had deployed once to Iraq and was on his second mission to Afghanistan when an IED took his eyes and ended his operational career as an EOD Team Leader. Instead of allowing himself to become a victim, he sees his injury as an example of divine direction. Aaron was gifted a home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida by the organization Building Homes for Heroes. Retired Staff Sergeant Hale, never accepting defeat and always looking for new challenges, began teaching at the EOD school as he awaited military retirement. Continuing his education in finance, running, cycling, golfing, participating in a 90 mile multi-sport relay marathon, ran the Boston Marathon in 2015, and climbs mountains regularly are all major parts of his life next to spending time with his incredible wife McKayla, 9-year old son, Cameron, and 16-month old identical twin sons Owen and Wyatt. Aaron travels the country motivating and inspiring others by sharing their uplifting story of perseverance in tough times and thriving in our lives through adversity. In August, 2015 Aaron contracted a sudden case of bacterial meningitis and completely lost hearing in both ears. McKayla was right by Aaron's side during yet another challenging life experience. Aaron is the recipient of two Cochlear implants which he is practicing everyday to relearn how to hear. Living the “Challenge Accepted!” mind set and not letting any obstacles deter him from his goals, he has recently started a new business with McKayla. Together they have created Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan fudge and chocolate company based out of Santa Rosa Beach, FL.