Marines Josh Wege and Spanky Gibson compare stumps on their amputated legs in a dugout during a break in practice before an exhibition softball game at the ASA complex in Oklahoma City on July 21, 2011.

Spanky Gibson walks through the bleachers of a practice field at the ASA complex in Oklahoma City on July 21, 2011. Gibson is the oldest player on the Wounded Warrior Amputee softball team which travels around the country playing games against local and national teams to raise awareness for wounded veterans. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World

Spanky Gibson kicks up dirt while playing catcher in an exhibition game between the Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team and the United States Men's National Softball Team at the ASA complex in Oklahoma City on July 21, 2011.

William "Spanky" Gibson puts on his military dress in a closet at Tim Bonea Photography in his hometown of Pryor on June 24, 2011. After injuring his left leg in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq, Gibson returned to combat for another tour after completing his rehab with a prosthetic leg. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World

William "Spanky" Gibson stands under the marquee of the Allred Theater, a Pryor landmark that Gibson frequented as a boy. Gibson was the first above-the-knee amputee to return to active duty in Iraq, and is currently working at the Pentagon as an advocate and advisor for wounded warriors. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World