Iraq War Vet and ‘DWTS’ Alum Inspires Team to Win $500,000

Iraq War veteran and Dancing With the Stars alum Noah Galloway was joined by his old platoon leader, Jerry Eidson, on the finale of American Grit. Jerry was in a Humvee with Noah 10 years ago when it hit an IED, and shared his story with Noah’s team. The terrible incident scarred both men for life, but since Jerry stood by Noah during his recovery and the depression that followed, Noah was able to find the silver lining of a very dark cloud. Galloway said, “I lost two of my limbs, but it affected both of us. This has changed us as people. But because we’ve stayed close, it has made a positive thing out of it.”

Noah’s team was inspired by his and Jerry’s friendship and everything they’ve been through. Green team members Clare Painter and Mark Bouquin gutted out a gritty performance in the final challenge and were able to outlast the other contestants, winning a total of $500,000.

American Grit airs Thursday at 8 p.m. on Fox.

John Cena confronts a contestant for disrespecting U.S. Veterans on American Grit:

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