# Episode 15:  Semper Fi: The Unbreakable Spirit of Charlie Merritt

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-wheelchair-roundtable-atp-end-user-perspective-7420120/episode-15-semper-fi-the-unbreakable-spirit-of-charlie-merritt.md
Podcast: [The Wheelchair Roundtable  ATP-End User Perspective](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-wheelchair-roundtable-atp-end-user-perspective-7420120)
Published: 2025-11-09T02:38:10+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/podcast-pod31/2317630
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/339077/2317630/podcast-pod31/2025_11_09_02_37_58_c1696e24-a620-4f4c-971f-d93775b1e7f9.mp3
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Duration seconds: 4910

## Resource

At just 17 years old, Charlie Merritt made a promise — to serve, to lead, and to never back down. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earned the title of United States Marine at Parris Island, beginning a journey defined by grit, discipline, and heart. After eight years on active duty and four in the reserves, Charlie carried that same intensity into life beyond the Corps — playing semi-pro football, competing in strongman events, and running his own company. But one dive — on what seemed like a perfect day — changed everything. A routine jump into the water ended in a catastrophic neck injury, leaving Charlie paralyzed from the shoulders down. He coded twelve times. Doctors didn’t expect him to make it. But Marines don’t quit. What followed was a comeback story unlike any other — a story of faith, family, and the power of purpose. Charlie turned pain into purpose, founding Stand Up For Me , a nonprofit that provides adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. He also found healing through music, writing 15 original songs — including “Me Without You,” a tribute to caregivers performed by Jelly Roll. Today, Charlie continues to lead by example — advocating for veterans, studying to become an ATP, and reminding the world that standing tall has nothing to do with walking.

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## Transcript

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