FRIENDSWOOD, Texas — A Friendswood resident is continuing his journey of recovery after a permanent injury as a Marine changed his life forever, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

Steve Schulz, 24, was injured in Iraq in 2005. A homemade bomb went off, sending shrapnel through the left side of his head. Doctor’s didn’t think he would live and said even if he did, he might not walk or talk.But Schulz walks. He talks. Now he even rides.Sitting on top of a horse, Schulz maintains a look of static serenity, his lips slightly turned up and his focus centered on balancing his body. He still can’t use his left hand, and the entire left side of his body is much weaker than the right.

Through horse therapy, Schulz is hoping to build his core muscles and achieve his ultimate goal — to walk by himself again.”Walk on,”  Schulz said.Those are the only words he repeats during the ride as he talks to his horse.Schulz has had 16 surgeries in the last four years, but doesn’t seem to dwell on that, instead focusing ahead for his future.Schulz’s mother is watching her son’s progress. She’s seen him go forward and backward in his journey of recovery. She said she hopes he completely recovers but also said, maybe this is a new normal.”He never complains,” said Schulz’s mom, Debbie.At Schulz’s side during the ride is a friend and former Marine. He goes by “Gunny,” and he trained to volunteer just so he could support Steve.

Gunny met Steve after reading a newspaper article about him and realizing he was his neighbor. The two made contact and Gunny became an outlet for Schulz to talk about his military experiences.”We both suffer from the same malady,” said Gunny. “Why me? Why did I survive?”Gunny was injured in Vietnam, but not as severely as Schulz. Both of them were awarded a Purple Heart for their pain. Both of them feel guilty they survived.”Marines take care of their own,” said Gunny. He then turned away as his eyes watered up.”Looking good, Steve,” yells the head volunteer.It’s been about 20 minutes and all that concentration is making Schulz tired. As he heads to the end of the stall, Gunny and Debbie are beaming with pride. Steve’s cheeks are flush with exhaustion.Schulz gives credit to one source for his determination”God almighty above keeps me strong and makes me try harder,” Schulz said.  “I love him for it.”As for serving his country, Schulz said has no regrets.”If I could do it all over again I would,” he said.It’s time for Schulz and Debbie to leave. They’ll come back once a week for horse therapy for at least the next couple of months. Schulz said he feels more independent and stronger everyday.

“Walk on.”