Walking Again

JP Lane watched the twin towers fall during his 8th grade class on September 11, 2001…he immediately decided, “One day, I will join the military.”  In 2008 at the age of 20, JP joined the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.  His job was to search for IED’s (Improvised Explosive Device).  On July 2, 2011, JP was blown up for the 3^rd time, but this time would be different.  A 200lb IED penetrated his RG31 truck resulting in the loss of both of his legs, his right arm snapped in half, he lost his four front teeth, his pelvis snapped in half, his spine dislocated from his pelvis, and everything in his torso was destroyed by shrapnel except for his heart and left lung.   

After being in a coma for 6 weeks and enduring 28 surgeries, he was told life would never be the same. Doctors said he wouldn’t be able to use prosthetics because his bodily damage was so extensive, and they said he would never speak properly or sing again because of the tracheotomy.  With each day, JP proved them wrong.   He walked, he spoke, he sang, and he became a double amputee recording artist launching his first CD in 2016.

He has performed at The Black Tie and Boots Ball during the Presidential Inaugurations for President Obama in 2012 and President Trump in 2016.  He has performed with recording legends like Lee Greenwood, Gavin DeGraw, Neil McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Jason Castro, and others. He has sung all over the world and supported organizations like Helping a Hero, G.A.N.G., and Adapt-a-Vet.

When he signed the dotted line and joined the Army in 2008, he pledged to SERVE and protect the American people.  Despite his severe injuries and because he is still alive, by the grace of God, he continues to serve. He is a motivational speaker and loves challenging people to “Never Give Up, Never Surrender.”   His first book “Walking Again” was released on September 11, 2019 and he looks forward to continuing his mission to change hearts and minds while encouraging others to persevere through the challenges of life.

On February 18, 2018, JP married the love of his life, Crystal.  She is beautiful inside and out and her love for the Lord and for Justin shines through.  Shortly after their marriage, they were in a life-threatening car wreck that took JP back to the day in Afghanistan when his life changed.  They pushed through the fear, went through rehab again, and are stronger than ever. 

See JP at the 9th Annual Warrior Gala

JP Lane will be performing live at our 9th Annual Warrior Gala. Reserved seating tickets are still available for purchase at mightyoaksprograms.org/txglala.

Hear more about JP’s story on this episode of the Mighty Oaks Show: