MARCUS CHISCHILLY: STRENGTH OVER DEFEAT
“on October 9th, 2010, I stepped on an improvised explosive device while serving as a marine in Afghanistan.
As a result, I lost my left leg above the knee.”
Creative Director - Jessi Jones @JESSI.RAE.JONES
HOW THIS PROJECT CAME TO FRUITION
“I was adopted out of Pine Ridge, where my Lakota Sioux Tribe is from. Because I did not grow up on the reservation, I STILL WANTED TO honor my descendants by telling stories of the First Nation people. The most powerful stories to tell are those of resiliency. I have a passion for sharing tragedy to triumph-stories. I'm inspired by people who choose to overcome oppression, progress in life after a major regression, and decide to win after significant defeats. I met Marcus at a Hoop Dancing Competition in Phoenix, Arizona. After hearing more of Marcus' story, I wanted to share it.”
JESSI JONES, CO-FOUNDER OUTLIVE CREATIVE
Marcus Chischilly: From Marine Corps to Invictus Games – A Journey of Resilience and Public Inspiration
Marcus Chischilly, known to many as "Chilly," has a story filled with resilience, grit, and a deep commitment to serve not only as a Marine but as an inspiration for others. A proud member of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, or “Darkhorse Battalion,” Marcus’s path took a turn when he lost his leg in combat, facing new challenges that have since shaped his journey. Today, Marcus’s life has taken on a powerful new purpose as a competitor in adaptive sports and a dedicated public speaker, inspiring those facing similar struggles to persevere with courage.
“When something traumatic happens,
you have three choices: Let it define you, destroy you, or strengthen you.
Then and now, I choose strength.”
Darkhorse Marine to Amputee Athlete and Speaker
During his service in the US Marine Corps with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Marcus Chischilly saw firsthand the strength of his fellow Marines as they served through some of the most intense conditions. Like many who served in the Darkhorse Battalion, Marcus faced sacrifices, including the loss of his leg. This turning point became the start of a new chapter—one that extended beyond sports to include a passion for public speaking and inspiring others facing similar challenges. Whether sharing his experiences with veterans or young athletes, Marcus brings the same dedication and strength that carried him through his military career.
Competing in Adaptive Sports: Wheelchair Basketball, Hand Cycling & More
After his amputation, Marcus found a new avenue for his drive in adaptive sports, competing in the Invictus Games in events such as wheelchair basketball, hand cycling, and paralympic cycling. Adaptive sports gave him not just an outlet but a mission—to show others what is possible. Through wheelchair basketball and hand cycling paralympics training, Marcus’s story reaches beyond the competitive field, extending to those who seek hope and a sense of purpose after facing setbacks.
R2 + Camera car = good times
marcus had a great time sending it on the hand cycle through the desert
“My injury could have held me back, but I chose to show up and push forward every day.
And that makes a difference.”
“The damage from the explosive device blast was traumatic.
I lost my left leg above the knee and suffered severe shrapnel wounds to both arms and other leg.”
“Even though I still had my life, I felt inadequate. No longer good enough, not even self sufficient.
So there were times I felt depressed and hopeless.”
“the trauma of losing a leg Could have broken me,
but I chose to fight back.”
CHASE CAR DRIVER - CLAYTON @CLAYTONLINDLEY EXAMINING THE AFTERMATH
DP - RACE @RACEJONES CALIBRATING LENS MOTORS
“Adaptive sports taught me to use my abilities, not just see my disabilities.”
“After two years of rehab I returned to the Marines and served another three years before I retired.”
Inspiring Others Through Public Speaking
As a public speaker, Marcus shares his journey candidly, offering a sense of community and inspiration for those navigating similar paths. His talks resonate with anyone facing adversity, from fellow veterans to civilians who look to his story as a testament to resilience. By connecting with audiences through his experiences with the Marine Corps, the Darkhorse Battalion, and adaptive sports, Marcus provides encouragement and practical insights on overcoming both visible and invisible scars. This passion for connecting with others is as much a part of Marcus’s life as his athletic pursuits, and he continually seeks new ways to lift up those who feel isolated in their struggles.
DP - RACE @RACEJONES
1ST AC - KAYLA @EMAGINARIUMM
A Message of Strength and Hope
The journey of Marcus Chischilly, from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to his continued work in adaptive sports and public speaking, is one of resilience that goes beyond his role as a Marine. By competing in the Invictus Games, inspiring others as a public speaker, and living a life of purpose, Marcus reminds us all that strength isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about using our experiences to uplift those who may be facing their own battles.
On Veteran’s Day, we celebrate Marcus and veterans like him who have not only overcome their own challenges but continue to inspire and strengthen the communities around them.
“IN HONOR OF JESSI’S BROTHER, LEVI KOSKI AND ALL WHO HAVE SERVED”
CREW:
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JESSI @JESSI.RAE.JONES
DP / EDIT / SOUND DESIGN: RACE @RACEJONES
1ST AC: KAYLA @EMAGINARIUMM
CHASE CAR DRIVER: CLAYTON @CLAYTONLINDLEY
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: ALEX @ALEXSWEEET
STOCK PHOTO credit: Cpl. Ashley Cano, Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, scott olson
