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Missionary injured in Brussels bombing entering U.S. Naval Academy

Credit: Photo courtesy Mason Wells
Credit: USNA
Elder Joseph Empey and Elder Mason Wells recovering in Utah after being injured during the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo: University of Utah Health Care) Credit: Charlie Ehlert
Charlie Ehlert
Brussels bombing missionaries Joseph Empey, left, Richard Norby, center, and Mason Wells, right, ride in the Freedom Festival Grand Parade in Provo, Monday, July 4, 2016. Credit: Hans Koepsell, Deseret News, Deseret News
Elder Mason Wells is pushed by his father Chad as he returns home and welocmed by friends andf family in Sandy Thursday, April 28, 2016 after sprending 37 days in the hospital after being injured in the Brussels terrorist attack. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Elder Mason Wells is greeted by his sister Tayla as he returns home in Sandy Thursday, April 28, 2016 after sprending 37 days in the hospital after being injured in the Brussels terrorist attack. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News, Deseret News
Credit: Provided by Empey family
Mason Wells, left, one of four Mormon missionaries wounded in the Brussels airport attack, poses for a picture with his brother Colby, in the burn unit at University Hospital in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Wells Family
Credit: Courtesy of Mason Wells

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

For most newly inducted students at the United States Naval Academy, the grueling military training/indoctrination program known as Plebe Summer presents the most difficult challenge they’ve ever faced.

Future midshipman Mason Wells has endured far worse.

Recognize his name? Wells was one of the four Mormon missionaries injured in the March 22, 2016, Brussels airport terrorist attack. The young elder suffered serious injuries in the explosion. He spent two months in the hospital, undergoing six surgeries and several other procedures.

But despite the trauma of the bombing and his long and painful recovery, Wells never swayed from a goal he had worked toward for years: to attend the historic Naval Academy.

Wells comes from a military family. Both his grandfather and his great-grandfather were high-ranking Marine Corps officers. “Ever since I was in junior high, I’ve known exactly what I wanted to do,” he said in regards to his own military ambitions.

Getting in to the academy is tough — so he made himself a viable candidate by enrolling in rigorous academic classes at Utah’s Lone Peak High School, playing multiple sports and embracing leadership opportunities.

He had planned to attend the Naval Academy right out of high school and even secured the required congressional nomination. But an appointment was not offered.

He was understandably frustrated and angry. “But I also felt like the Lord wanted me to be a missionary at that time.”

He accepted a call to the France Paris Mission. His service in Europe offered many uplifting memories and experiences — and, of course, a tragic moment of horror and sadness. Wells will be forever linked to his fellow missionaries who were also seriously injured in the attack — Richard Norby, Dresden Empey and Fanny Clain.

“It changed my life,” he said, matter-of-factly, 15 months after the bombing.

In the aftermath of the explosion, Wells knew many dark days. His recovery moved slowly. But with time his body and spirit began to heal. He recalls the joy of being able to run and rock climb once again.

And he also reignited his goal to join the Naval Academy’s Brigade of Midshipmen. For the second time he began the arduous application process and received several congressional nominations. He was also deemed medically fit for military training and service.

In April he formally accepted an appointment to the 171-year-old service academy. He’s a big step closer to achieving his dreams of graduating from the academy and leading sailors or Marines. His family is traveling with him to Annapolis in a few days to watch him raise his hand and be sworn into the Class of 2021.

Wells’ is enlisting many of the skills he developed on his mission to prepare for Plebe Summer. He’s in good physical shape and he’s dutifully learning his “rates” (aka USNA rules). He’s ready to transition from civilian to military life.

“I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m putting my faith and trust again in God.”

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