Noah Galloway’s inspiring story—living with no excuses, being a leader at TWG 2022 + more

IMG 7418 Noah Galloway's inspiring story—living with no excuses, being a leader at TWG 2022 + more
Such an amazing story. (Bham Now)

The Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Noah Galloway, Honorary Co-Chair of The World Games 2022, as its featured speaker during their July 13 meeting. Keep reading to hear from the inspiring Birmingham native about overcoming depression, being an effective leader and more.

Noah Galloway—a shining example of determination

IMG 7410 Noah Galloway's inspiring story—living with no excuses, being a leader at TWG 2022 + more
We had the honor of hearing about his journey. (Bham Now)

Noah Galloway’s story shows that with determination and the right amount of perspective, you can tackle anything.

While serving in Iraq, Noah was severely injured in combat, where he lost his left arm and leg. His story of struggles and triumphs, where’s he’s been and where he’s going has motivated and inspired people all over the world to live with no excuses.

An incredible journey

IMG 7421 Noah Galloway's inspiring story—living with no excuses, being a leader at TWG 2022 + more
The Birmingham Rotary Club was lucky to have him! (Bham Now)

The Purple Heart awarded, double amputee decided to join the military as a result of the September 11th terror attacks in 2001.

“I was actually at UAB on September 11th. I got a phone call from my friend who told me to turn the TV on. I watched for long as could, then went for a long run with no destination, nowhere to go, I was just running. That’s when I realized ‘I’m 20 years old, physically fit and I love my country.’ I decided then and there I was going in the military and I never returned to class again.”

Noah Galloway

His battles didn’t end in the field when he was forced to adapt to a life with only two limbs after an attack during Operation Iraqi Freedom which would take his left leg above the knee and his left arm above the elbow.

Noah’s incredible journey to mental and physical wellness is one that he shares in his memoir titled “Living with No Excuses; the Remarkable Rebirth of an American Soldier.” Those words, “No Excuses,” became Noah’s mantra, as he rose out of a post trauma depression via his reinvigorating passion for fitness.

“You would think that the obvious, losing my arm and my leg, were the most difficult part of my recovery. But actually it was more the mental aspect. I tell people it took me about 5 years to recover from the mental side of it, really just accepting it. I had accepted I would die in combat or retire an old man, but now I’m able to be proud of that chapter in my life while continuing to create new chapters and not live in my past.”

Noah Galloway

National spotlight

His victories at what one might see as impossible competition and obstacles are what find put Noah in a national spotlight. Here’s a few of his achievements that have been a part of building his national platform:

Giving back

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The No Excuses Charitable Fund has an annual golf tournament to give back. (The Noah Galloway / Facebook)

According to a statement from the Birmingham Rotary Club, Noah wanted to give back as a result of the honorable position he gained with a national platform, so he launched the No Excuses Charitable Fund, which raises money and awareness for organizations that support causes which mean the most to Noah. 

Now, as a fitness enthusiast and sought-after motivational public speaker, Noah shares his story to encourage audiences and his fans to embrace the “No Excuses” lifestyle on their way to an enhanced mental and physical wellness.

Honored during TWG 2022

Noah Galloway with the American Flag
Birmingham native Noah Galloway brought the flag to the stadium to begin the Opening Ceremony. (Bham Now)

Noah had the honor of running the US flag into the opening ceremonies.

“I had that honor of running that flag into The World Games and it was one of those moments that was incredible. It was honor not just as a veteran, but as an Alabamian,” Galloway said. “I encourage you to always remember where we’ve come from and where we’re going, because that’s what’s all-important.”

Noah Galloway

Being the best leader for his family

noah galloway
Family man. (The Noah Galloway / Facebook)

Noah explained what it means to him to be a leader and how it motivates him everyday.

“For my two sons, I’m showing them what a man is, what they’re going to become one day. To my little girl, it’s about showing her how a man is supposed to act. Every time I mess up or fall flat on my face, it’s the thought of my three children that motivate me to get up, push on and try a little harder. When it comes to being a real leader, that starts in your home.”

Noah Galloway

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Callie Puryear
Callie Puryear
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