Meet Angela & Andrew Neumeyer
These two endured unimaginable circumstances and begin a journey of healing, hope and love. Through tragic circumstances, these two were brought together by the Grace of God to create a life together. In September of 2005, Angie lost her first husband in the war only 6 weeks into his tour in Iraq. The same tour that Andrew was a part of, and he, too, suffered the emotional effects of the loss of these soldiers during that first few weeks overseas. However, in early January of 2006, Andrew, after returning from his two week leave, sustained multiple life-altering injuries from an attack. These disabling injuries sent him back home to Wisconsin for good. There he would recover, heal, and build a new life that would bring many challenges.
Andrew and Angie both experienced profound loss and adversity, but found solace and support in each other’s company. Their shared experiences and understanding of trauma allowed them to connect on a deeper level and provide the encouragement and strength they needed to move forward.
The Road To Recovery
After Andrew’s injuries forced him to return home, he faced numerous challenges rebuilding his life. With Angie’s unwavering support, he embarked on a journey of education and personal growth. Despite his disabilities, Andrew pursued a social work degree and eventually obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degree. This achievement fulfilled his personal aspirations and also allowed him to make a meaningful impact by working with fellow veterans at the VA hospital. Andrew’s perseverance and determination are truly remarkable, as he refused to let his injuries define him or hinder his potential.
Angie’s love and support have been pivotal in Andrew’s recovery and well-being. Her strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to him, and together they have created a loving and nurturing environment for their family. Their story emphasizes the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, highlighting the importance of supporting our veterans, as they transition into civilian life.
Ultimately, their story is a beautiful example of how love and connection can help people can rise above even the most difficult circumstances.
About Andrew Neumeyer
I am a husband, father of 3 boys, Army veteran and a social worker. Also, a Cub Scout leader, Sussex Lions Club member and a Hartland American Legion Post 294 member. My family and I enjoy spending time at events such as jazz concerts, Oconomowoc American Legion band concerts, hockey games and baseball games.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife’s name is Angie and we have been married for almost 15 years. She is a Newborn Care Specialist for Lake Country Newborns. My oldest son, Asher, is almost 16, and a sophomore at Arrowhead High School. He enjoys fishing, playing saxophone and playing baseball. Joey, 13, is my middle child, and is in 7th grade at Merton Intermediate School. He enjoys playing goalie in hockey, going mountain biking, and scootering. My youngest son is Reece, and he is 9 years old. He enjoys playing hockey, baseball, mountain biking, and scootering.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am a Social Worker at the Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center with the goal of giving back to veterans and assisting them with their challenges. My personal experience of being injured while serving in Iraq and receiving support from social workers has given me valuable insights into the unique needs and experiences of veterans.
By working with veterans, I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their lives, providing them with the support and resources they need to navigate various issues. My first-hand experiences have helped me relate to them on a deeper level and build rapport.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Serving those who have served our country is my way of giving back and showing them gratitude for their sacrifices. Working with veterans allows me to provide them with the support, care, and resources they deserve as they navigate their post-military lives.
The experiences and challenges veterans face can be unique, and having someone who understands their journey can make a significant difference in their lives.
I love being able to serve them.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I served in the Army and was deployed to Iraq in 2005, where I was severely wounded and faced immense challenges.
Dealing with a traumatic brain injury and the loss of vision in one eye, as well as the removal of my other eye, undoubtedly presented significant hurdles in my rehabilitation and daily life. However, I found support from various sources, such as my wife, the Ashippun Lions Club, and the disability accommodations provided by UW Milwaukee and UW Whitewater were outstanding. These two universities scanned textbooks for me, provided note-takers, private rooms for exams, and additional time for tests, which allowed me to pursue my education despite the vision loss.
My experiences and the support I received undoubtedly helped me become the social worker I am today. I am able to understand and assist veterans who face similar obstacles at a much deeper level.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part for me is being with my family and seeing my family happy in everything that they do.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I would like to learn to play the guitar and with some help from the VA and I am hoping that someday I will be able to do this. I used to play a saxophone when I was younger so I can read music, but due to my vision loss, seeing the music has been the challenge. In addition, I would like to become a more active member of the Hartland American Legion.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Every day is a new day, and you need to work hard and enjoy helping others.
Andrew Neumeyer & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I like going to Joe Mama’s for food and drinks. I enjoy all of the county parks and dog parks in our community.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Benny Serres, son of Greg, the owner of Merton Feed Mill. He inspired me to work hard and have fun doing the things that you like to do.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Lakes, Active & Fun.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a twin. I have a prosthetic eye.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I like all of the NCIS television shows. I like it because it is military related and full of action.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The veterans that I work with inspire me to be better.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Jack Daniels.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
A veteran who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. It would be an honor to meet a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Hawaii.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Seeing my wife and 3 kids happy is what makes me the happiest.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Perseverance and a positive mindset are key when facing challenges or barriers in life. A disability does not define a person’s abilities or limit their potential. It may require extra effort and creative solutions, but with determination, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work the same way for another. It’s all about finding the approaches and strategies that work best for you, whether it’s seeking support, adapting techniques, utilizing assistive technology, or accessing resources specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
By staying resilient and maintaining a can-do attitude, individuals can transcend limitations and accomplish remarkable things. It’s through challenges and perseverance that we often discover our own strength and potential.
