Scott Arias, professor of construction management at Eastern Kentucky University, is running toward his goal of raising $50,000 to help support disabled service men and women.

Literally.

Arias has entered a series of races to support the Wounded Warrior Project, but knows he can’t do it single-handed…or “single-legged.” A wounded warrior himself, Arias is running the 10K and half marathon races with a prosthetic leg.

He is asking for donations with the promise to return contributions if he fails to complete any of the races and is working to obtain national sponsorships to help benefit the nonprofit organization that helps injured veterans start civilian careers.

He understands the difficulties faced by the injured service men and women. In 2002, Arias lost his lower left leg in a motorcycle crash after a car hit him head on, but was able to continue his Naval career until a fall on an oil platform in the Persian Gulf led to a series of operations and his retirement from the military after 12 years of service.

“Suddenly, you find yourself in a hospital bed and within six months to a year, you’re retired from the service and expected to start a whole new life,” he explained.

Arias had continued his education during his time in the Navy, but finding the right fit and a job that helped him serve others took time to figure out. He eventually made the decision to leave an executive position in industry to teach full time – his “true calling.”

While recovering from his career-ending injuries at Walter Reed Medical Center, he received his inspiration to help fellow injured service men and women.

“I shared a room with a man who had lost one arm and both his legs and he had to start all over,” Arias said. “I considered myself fortunate and from that day on, I was determined to help in any way I could.”

There was no Wounded Warrior Project available when he had to start making his own life-changing decisions and he wants to make sure it remains available for the injured heroes who need it.

“The program is there to help,” he said. “The Wounded War Project is about helping them get the education and experience they need to get a good job and move on with their lives.”

Arias’ next race is the 10K Roseannadanna Fun Run in Louisville, Sunday, May 17, and on Sept. 6, he will run the Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. For information on how to make a contribution, e-mail Arias at smarias@prodigy.net. See www.woundedwarrriorproject.org for more information about the Wounded Warrior Project.