SE7 #257 DREW STOKES- Five Seconds: Shot Five Times- Road to Recovery

Drew Stokes Coast Guard Veterans and Retired US Customs and Border Protection Officer. On September 26, 2017, Drew Stokes was ambushed in a sudden, violent attack while walking out of a Publix grocery store just outside Jacksonville, Florida. From start to finish, the entire attack lasted approximately five seconds. Drew was shot five times once in the center of his torso, once in his right buttock, once in each hip/leg, and once in his left forearm. His injuries were catastrophic. One bullet lacerated his liver, another compromised his colon, and three bullets remain in his body today one in each hip and another near his spine. For several days, Drew wavered between life and death, crossing to the other side twice. He completely bled out and required 78 pints of blood to keep him alive. His survival was made possible by the heroic actions of bystanders, the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Clay County Fire Rescue, and the trauma staff at Orange Park Medical Center. Drew credits them with saving his life. What followed was an extraordinary road to recovery. Through relentless hard work, an incredible rehabilitation team, and tremendous support from his family, friends, coworkers, and people across the country, Drew fought his way back. On January 2, 2018, just over three months after the shooting, he returned to light duty. After undergoing eleven surgeries, Drew returned to full duty on April 9, 2018. By June 2018, he had returned to the sky.