Soldier of the Year 2021 amputated his own leg to help his crew during a tank crash

"But these days, Maes — our 2021 Soldier of the Year — wants to talk about his new future, and his plans to help other amputee veterans rebuild healthy, happy lives after their injuries.

Army Times conducted a phone interview with Maes from his new home in Denver. The former tanker finally received his medical retirement June 27, more than two years after the accident."