"We all have our down days," John Peck said from the east coast by telephone, "but we can overcome them."

This Marine speaks from experience. 

During his first deployment to Iraq in 2007, Peck's vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED); the explosion caused traumatic brain injury, amnesia, and an end to his marriage.

He recovered and deployed to Afghanistan. In 2010, Peck stepped on an IED and lost three limbs immediately; the remaining limb was removed as a result of a flesh-eating disease.

In 2016, Peck underwent 13 hours of surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston to undergo a successful double-arm transplant. He is thought to be the second quadruple amputee from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to receive a double-arm transplant.

Hours after the operation, Peck said he was filled with gratitude.

"Every day that I look down at my new arms, I will drive on ... and I will never give up."

In describing himself, Peck jokingly said his wife describes him as "goofy." In a more serious tone, he added, "I am ‘helpful;' I want to give back by helping people in dire need."

This sense of determination and caring is what brings Peck as a speaker to the Dustoff Music Festival, formerly the Rock & Rally for The Troops.

Presented by 96.9 KAYO and Operation Ward 57, the event will be held at Cheney Stadium Saturday, July 6, from 4-10 p.m. Peck will be the guest speaker; afterwards he will be available to sign his book, Rebuilding Sergeant Peck.

The event will benefit wounded servicemembers, their families and those that aid in their recovery through the programs of Operation Ward 57, a nonprofit that supports wounded warriors.

"There were a lot of costs for my arm transplants," continued Peck, "and Operation Ward 57 helped me when few would."

Now Peck works to help others.

"People write to me on Facebook all the time about their tough times," he continued, "and I say ‘Let's talk' and help them walk back from the edge."

Peck concluded by saying those who are hurting can always contact him at facebook.com/John PecksJourney/.

For more information, visit: operationward57.org/dustoff/.