BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Service did not end when Kenny Maynard took off the uniform. After surviving a roadside bomb during a combat tour in Afghanistan and enduring years of surgeries and rehabilitation, the decorated Kentucky Army National Guard veteran returned home to Martin County and found a new mission: building strength and purpose in young athletes one practice at a time.
Through coaching, mentoring and leading local sports programs, he transformed his pain into purpose, proving that resilience does not retire.
Maynard was inspired from a young age by the military service of his uncles, Randall Sweeney, Kermit Howell and Bobby Howell. But it was the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 that shaped his future.
He was in the seventh grade at Warfield Middle School when he witnessed the tragic events unfold. While watching the towers fall, a realization took hold of Maynard.
“I knew I had to serve my country,” he said.
As a teenager Maynard played basketball, baseball, football and wrestling. However, financial constraints limited his ability to afford travel and camps necessary for high school sports.
Maynard attended Sheldon Clark High School and later earned his diploma through Penn Foster in 2006.
That same year, he enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard, embarking on a six-year journey that would take him to Ireland, Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Deployed in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division from 2008 to 2009 at the height of the war, Maynard served in dangerous route clearances as a Gunner, Truck Commander and Husky Driver.
In June 2008, his life was altered forever. An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle during a mission. An estimated 110 pounds of homemade explosives inflicted several severe injuries: traumatic brain injury, a left brachial plexus injury, and lasting damage to his left shoulder, lower back and neck.
Despite the trauma, Maynard returned home determined to continue serving.
Between 2009 and 2016, he continued his National Guard duties stateside working multiple floods, forest fires and a tornado that hit the area.
Maynard worked in the coal mines as a certified electrician and mine foreman. He also worked as an EMT.
Over that seven-year span, he underwent numerous surgeries to address nerve damage caused by the explosion. In 2016, he went to Cleveland in hopes of repairing his brachial plexus injury. That surgery resulted in his left arm being permanently paralyzed and marked the start of another long, grueling chapter in his story.
After two years of intensive physical rehabilitation, including multiple surgeries (an L5-S1 discectomy, C2-C4 fusion with an implanted spinal cord stimulator, a clinical trial at OSU involving a Stellate Nerve Block), Maynard began to regain some mobility and strength in his left arm.
“It currently functions at about 20% capacity compared to my right arm,” said Maynard, who also underwent intense therapy to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain management.
Although the effects of his injuries remain—he still battles pain, PTSD, migraines, insomnia, anxiety and depression—Maynard found unexpected healing through coaching.
“Coaching has been a powerful therapeutic outlet,” he admitted.
Maynard’s purpose began with his children’s Jiu-Jitsu training at Rockhouse Jiu-Jitsu, under the guidance of Professor Jeremy Deskins. His children, Kennedy and Greyson, have become multi-state Fuji Jiu-Jitsu champions. They also excel in Martin County sports.
Maynard began helping with the Martin County Youth Wrestling Club and eventually assumed leadership roles. He has served as the logistics coordinator and training facility liaison for the Southeast Region of the We Defy Foundation. This national nonprofit empowers disabled combat veterans through the practice of Jiu-Jitsu.
In December 2024, the former National Guardsman assumed leadership of the Martin County Youth Football Program. Under his guidance, the program established a board, restructured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, joined the River Cities Football League, and expanded its outreach efforts.
He has run the NBA Jr basketball league and the MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run event that allowed Martin County youth to play at the Cincinnati Reds stadium.
Despite daily challenges from anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain, Maynard believes “structured goals and contributing to the development of our youth sports programs have been immensely beneficial.” He urges other veterans to find their own way forward.
“I strongly encourage any combat veteran or individual experiencing mental health challenges to seek professional therapy, be open about their struggles, and actively pursue a purpose,” said Maynard. “For me that purpose has been found in photography, hunting with my kids and coaching, which has provided more healing and fulfillment than any other approach I’ve explored.”
From the war zones of Afghanistan to the sports fields of Martin County, Maynard’s commitment to service remains unwavering. For the young athletes under his care, he is a living example of resilience, purpose and heart.
Maynard also found a way to promote the youth once again by mentioning details about the football program.
“We have 11 games on the schedule, including four at home,” he said.
Practices take place at Frank Horn Park from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Home games will be at the high school football field.
“If your child is in the second to sixth grade and interested in playing football, feel free to bring them to practice with an updated sports physical,” added Maynard.
Registration is $70.
Veterans in crisis or concerned family/ friends may reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255. Support is also available online at veterancrisisline.net.
Contact Maynard by email at KMaynard@WeDefyFoundation.org.
