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Amputee Faces Military Recruitment Hurdles Despite Qualifications
Spokane, Washington — Hannah Cvancara exemplifies the qualities the U.S. military seeks in its personnel: she is dedicated, physically active, and embodies a strong sense of patriotism. However, her ambition to serve is impeded by a significant barrier—the military’s disqualification policy regarding her amputated left foot, a condition she has lived with since infancy due to a rare birth defect.
“I’ve never identified myself by my amputation,” Cvancara stated in an interview. “I’m just Hannah, a person who happens to be missing a leg.”
Despite her physical challenge, Cvancara remains remarkably active. She enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, surfing, and hiking, along with a history of participation in swim team, track, and volleyball during her school years.
Although her personal achievements speak to her resilience, the military system has denied her entry. A rejection letter from the Navy in March 2022 explicitly stated, “The subject applicant does not meet established physical standards.”
Interestingly, active-duty service members who lose limbs can still serve, but those aspiring to enlist face an automatic disqualification due to the “current absence of a foot,” a stipulation outlined in the Department of Defense’s Medical Standards for Military Service.
In response to queries about this policy, a Defense Department spokesperson reiterated that “At this time, there are no changes to policy” and expressed that it would be inappropriate to speculate on potential future amendments.
Cvancara’s aspiration to join the military is particularly poignant given the current low recruitment numbers, which are reportedly the lowest since the Vietnam War. “Our recruitment is suffering, and there are plenty of capable individuals who are eager to serve but are barred from doing so,” she pointed out.
Currently, Cvancara is pursuing a medical waiver in hopes of enlisting with the Washington Air National Guard. In addition to her military ambitions, she serves as a full-time emergency room nurse, a role that keeps her active for 12-hour shifts.
“She brings an incredible energy,” remarked her father, Lt. Col. Joseph Cvancara, a retired flight surgeon with the Air Force. “Her middle name is Joy, and she truly lives up to it. She doesn’t back down from challenges.”
Alex Gates, Cvancara’s prosthetist, notes that while medical technology has vastly improved, outdated policies continue to pose challenges. “The rules were established when prostheses were rudimentary, made from wood and leather,” Gates stated, asserting that Hannah is “more able-bodied than most individuals we encounter daily.”
In an effort to advocate for change, Cvancara has engaged with Congress, supporting a House bill titled the “Hannah Cvancara Service Act,” aimed at reforming the military’s current policies concerning such disqualifications.
While Cvancara respects the rules regarding physical standards, she argues for a nuanced approach. “I understand the rationale behind the current policy, particularly concerns about deployment,” she explained. “However, the waiver I’m seeking pertains to a medical position, and the advancements in prosthetic technology have rendered these old perceptions outdated.”
“It’s not about overlooking disabilities but recognizing abilities,” Hannah emphasized. “We need to shift focus from limitations to potential.”
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