Katie Verderber wore a uniform to represent our country when she served in the Army.

In March, she will wear a different kind of Team USA uniform when she represents the United States in the Paralympic Games in Italy. She will compete in curling.

The Valier, Montana native graduated from Montana Western before heading to Syracuse to earn a law degree. Then she enlisted in the Army to put that degree to use for the military.

After suffering an injury while serving in Afghanistan and undergoing a botched surgery, Katie was forced to medically retire from service. Eventually, her injury led her to a wheelchair, but it could not break her competitive spirit.

She started with downhill skiing and then moved into curling, where she proved to be a quick learner and a rising star. She earned a spot on Team USA earlier this year.

She also made the transition from working for the state government to working for Silverman Law, a growing firm that recently opened an office in Butte.

Earlier today, I drove to Helena to meet Katie for a fun conversation. Listen in as she talks about her love of sports that started when she was born in to a home that cheered for the Green Bay Packers. She talked to me anyway.

Listen as she talks about growing up in a small town and changing her major from elementary education to pre-law. Listen as she talks about joining the Arm, suffering the injury and the long, slow decline.

Listen to hear how she is not letting that slow her down and how she has become an inspiration for the disabled and able-bodied alike. Listen in the hear how excited she is to represent our nation in the Paralympic Games.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the non-commission sales staff that always has your back. It is also available on YouTube: