Military And Veterans
New Jersey Guard Soldier Saves Her Own Life Using Lessons From U.S. Army Training
New Jersey Guard Soldier Saves Her Own Life Using Lessons From U.S. Army Training
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In a gripping account of resilience and survival, Spc. Sanaa Drinks of the New Jersey Army National Guard has shared her story after surviving a drive-by shooting that left her critically injured. Drinks credits her survival to the skills and tenacity she honed during her time in U.S. Army Basic Combat Training.
On a summer evening in Philadelphia, as Drinks caught up with her boyfriend and best friend, gunfire erupted, turning an ordinary night into a scene of chaos. Despite being shot multiple times, Drinks' military training kicked in, allowing her to think clearly under pressure. "Everything that happened to me is the reason why I joined. I joined to escape gun violence in the city, but I also joined to become a role model so that my community has someone to look up to, especially now," she said, reflecting on her motivations.
As the shots rang out, Drinks remembered the drills and tactical maneuvers she had learned in training. "Bullets were flying. Survival was all we knew in the moment," she reflected. With bullets whizzing past, she assessed her situation quickly and decided that seeking cover was essential. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including exposed intestines, Drinks' military training helped her remain calm. "If I didn’t, I knew for certain I was going to die right there," she recounted.
In a moment of incredible courage, she crawled for safety while holding her wounds, all the while remaining aware of her surroundings. The trauma of the incident was overwhelming but her will to survive was stronger. When the medical personnel arrived, Drinks maintained her composure, repeating her name and condition to stay lucid.
The surgery that followed was long and arduous, involving the removal of parts of her intestine and kidney. The situation was grave. Drinks expressed deep affection for her boyfriend, who, unlike her, did not survive the incident. Her recovery journey was not just physical; it entailed navigating the complexities of emotional trauma and reintegrating into military life.
"I don’t remember much, but what scared me was seeing Soldiers in uniform praying over me. I was confused as to why so many people were there for me," Drinks said, highlighting the community support she received after her ordeal.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Malika Moore emphasized the critical nature of Drinks' survival, citing her physical conditioning and mental fortitude developed during Basic Combat Training. Despite her traumatic experience, Drinks has continued to pursue her military career, indicating her desire to be a role model and inspiration.
"If it weren’t for this, I wouldn’t be three years into the Army, giving back to the community that made me who I am. Three years later, I know that to be true," Drinks stated, showcasing her determination to use her experience to help others.
As she adjusted back to life in uniform, Drinks became an embodiment of resilience, navigating the expectations of her peers and rebuilding her life. The incident serves not only as a personal testament to the life-saving skills taught during military training but also as a call to action in tackling urban gun violence.
Her story echoes a broader narrative within the military community where support and understanding play a crucial role in recovery. Early reports suggest that individuals with military backgrounds may demonstrate different coping mechanisms after trauma, which could provide insight into developing better support systems for veterans and soldiers alike.
Spc. Sanaa Drinks' experience underscores the often-unseen impact of military training not just in combat situations but in everyday crises. Her story reflects the critical need for community support in navigating trauma and the challenging journey of reintegration into both civilian and military life. As urban violence continues to be a pressing issue, her resilience could inspire discussions about proactive measures and support systems within the armed forces and the communities they safeguard.
While the path forward remains fraught with challenges, her determination and the medical community's efforts remind us that survival is often just the beginning of the battle.