In January 2019, a pressure-plated improvised explosive device forever changed the lives of two warriors sent overseas to defend our country’s freedom. The harrowing events of that night are permanently etched across Clint Trial’s body and Curt Caruso’s mind. Two friends, brought together by the love of their country, trained together in the United States Marine Corps, are now bonded together for life from one split second. This is the story of the warrior who lost his legs, and the man who saved him.

Curt Caruso and Clint Trial have known and worked together for 15 years. Patriots to the core, these two Marines fought some of this country’s most dangerous foes in the most unsettling places.  Joining up again in January for Clint’s last deployment as an active-duty Marine, the two set out to do what they do best—find and stop ISIS. That night would solidify their brotherhood and change them both forever. They stood three feet away from each other when the explosion occurred. Clint took the brunt of the blast, causing a traumatic brain injury, internal injuries and irreparable damage to his legs. Curt, upon regaining consciousness, with no regard for his own safety, maneuvered to Clint, administered life-saving first aid and removed him from the fatal funnel. Curt stayed with Clint, keeping him alive until he was evacuated.

Living now in San Antonio, Clint is a double amputee (one below the knee, one above the knee), husband, father of four and hard-charging warrior. The dirtbike he bought before his deployment rests dusty in his garage. Curt, a previous BITD Vegas to Reno Over 40 Dirtbike Expert Class winner was determined to ensure Clint’s “new normal” involved all the things he enjoyed before the explosion, including off-road motorsports and shooting.

Motivated by Clint’s enthusiasm and fortitude, Curt started TORN Warriors, an adaptive extreme sport 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering disabled veterans and active-duty service members through off-road motorsports and shooting events. Through human or mechanical assistance and modification, TORN Warriors enables veterans to compete or participate in local, regional and national events as they serve as a living representation of sacrifice for the Nation, demonstrating to the communities and public the definition of true grit and resilience.

Keeping with their hardcore mantra, Curt and Clint raced 2019 BITD’s Vegas to Reno in the UTV Pro class. Since then, TORN Warriors has expanded the fleet to an upgraded UTV, dirt bikes and ATVs to enable amputees and wounded veterans freedom of movement and the same exhilarating rush racing brings to able-bodied drivers.

Please let us know if you want to be a part of this amazing story and support a patriotic cause. We are currently seeking gear sponsors and financial donors to ensure our fleet is mechanically sound and race ready.