Disabled Army bomb sweeper, firefighter honored through ‘Hero Project’

Back in August, we told you about one Fort Myers couple honoring our veterans through the “Hero Project.” 

This past weekend, that same nonprofit provided a special surprise for one Felda firefighter.

A customized “thank you for your service” to one Travis Livingston: a silver tarp, removed to reveal a big, black truck.

“It’s amazing. Absolutely amazing,” said Livingston.

He was nominated to receive free auto body services through the Hero Project because he bravely battles both fires and bombs.

“The family tradition was either go into the fire service or go in the military, so I chose both,” he said.

“Travis is a minesweeper,” said Jim Thompson, co-founder of the Hero Project. “He’s out in the middle of the desert looking for bombs.”

Even after an IED explosion left him disabled, the 31-year-old remains an active firefighter and Army infantryman.

“All I’ve ever done is ‘dangerous stuff’ my entire life,” said Livingston.

“That’s why we do The Hero Project,” said Thompson. “To show our appreciation.”

Gratitude echoed throughout this special ceremony at Rockstar Harley Davidson in Fort Myers, where Livingston added his own appreciation.

“There are heroes that haven’t made it back; those are my heroes. The other heroes are my kids,” said Livingston.

Kids he can now take for rides in his souped-up truck; a gift to his entire military family.

That truck will stay with his family when he re-deploys to the Middle East next year. He got it just in time for his 31st birthday, which is today, Nov. 25.

If you’d like to nominate someone for the Hero Project, click here.