William Hansen calls himself “just your average sergeant,” but those who know him understand that his story is anything but ordinary. After being wounded in military service, his journey did not end on the battlefield—it transformed into a new mission. Known today as Big Sarge, Hansen represents the resilience, discipline, and purpose that emerge when adversity meets faith in Christ and determination.
All photos in this article are by William Hansen. Used by permission.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I first met William when he approached the university where I was teaching. He asked to use our gym facilities for training his clients. Many of his clients used wheelchairs and required a more accessible space with specialized equipment. It was an honor to support his work, and a strong friendship quickly developed. What began as a simple request became a lasting friendship and a meaningful new chapter in my life.
-Scott Roberts
A LEGACY OF MILITARY SERVICE
Raised in a patriotic family where every generation had served in combat since the Civil War, Hansen followed tradition by joining the United States Marine Corps (USMC 1986-1996 Desert Storm and Restore Hope Veteran). Over the next 12 years, he served in Infantry, Anti-Tank, and Embassy Security units while deploying to Norway, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. His Marine Corps career culminated as an Operation Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope veteran.
After leaving active duty, Hansen’s commitment to military service did not end. Following the attacks of September 11, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Army National Guard and served by working airport and convoy security, training, and rebuilding efforts. He deployed twice to Iraq and served in Egypt as part of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran (US Army 2002-2014).
STRENGTH BUILT EARLY
One defining moment that shaped Hansen’s mindset occurred during Marine basic training at Camp Pendleton. One of the final training challenges is completing a 35-mile endurance march (up and down the Santa Margarita mountains that ending with the “Reaper” while) carrying a full pack and M-16 rifle, Hansen watched as participants dropped back one by one. Despite not being a runner, he pushed forward, passing over 35 (recruits) midway and finishing among only 23 who completed the march up the “Crucible” 700 feet straight up the final mountain.
That experience in his military service became a lifelong mental anchor.
Perseverance > Endurance
When you finish reading about William, go to Shout! OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE and read our cover story, 5 Factors Of Perseverance for more military service inspiration that you can apply to your training, family life, leadership and walk with God.
“When I have to push myself,” Hansen says, “I remember that moment. It showed me I have inner strength to push myself beyond what I thought I could endure.”
THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED
In January 2009, Hansen’s life took a dramatic turn. After completing a 36-hour mission, his vehicle was struck by an explosion that forced it off the road and into a wall at high speed. His face slammed into bulletproof glass before his head snapped backward into armored steel.
After his injuries were initially misdiagnosed in terms of severity, he survived the rest of his tour on painkillers. Although he continued military service and completed 20 additional missions, medical imaging later revealed the severity of his injuries: a brain bleed, fractures to C3–C5, a torn extensor muscle in his lower back and two herniated disks.
Hansen spent five months of recovery at Fort Lewis before returning home to continue rehabilitation. The transition proved difficult. Chronic pain, increased reliance on pain medication, weight gain, depression, and emotional withdrawal created a new battlefield — one fought far from combat zones.
A TURNING POINT AT HOME
Recovery truly began when Hansen recognized the impact his struggles were having on his daughters. He realized that he was no longer showing up as the father they needed called for him to make a critical decision: change.
The journey back was neither quick nor easy. Hansen learned to live with pain while rebuilding physical strength, navigating emotional challenges, and supporting his daughters’ mother during her cancer battle.
While healing, Hansen rediscovered several of the life lessons learned from his father from an early age.
- Helping others often heals your wounds.
- When you’re in motion, it’s like lotion for your body.
- Remember who you are! – You are a child of God and He has a plan for you.
- If you want to lead your family, you must first be in your right mind and spirit!.
These lessons helped Hansen so he could endure hardship, grow, and remain present for his family.
FITNESS AS A MISSION
What began as his personal rehabilitation soon evolved into a change in his life’s purpose. Hansen turned to Crossfit and strongman competitions as both personal challenges and public demonstrations which displays the verse “…That I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me”
His struggles mirror those faced by many veterans adjusting to civilian life: chronic pain management, schedule changes, and substance use habits. Drawing from early experiences training with his father and his nearly 20 years as a high school coach. Hansen now coaches fellow veterans who need not only physical healing but helps them through their emotional and spiritual healing journey.
Witnessing transformation in others has became his greatest reward — fathers playing with their children again, veterans rediscovering joy, and individuals pushing beyond perceived limits in relationships, careers, and physical health. “I believe God places people in our path,” Hansen says, “so we can help redirect their journey toward who they were created to be.”
FAITH AND BROTHERHOOD
Hansen’s philosophy reflects both military culture and spiritual conviction. Scripture emphasizes courage and synergistic strength that align the community. Like Proverbs teaches “Iron sharpens Iron” and so we must hold each other accountable and help each other grow. The military community is the personification of that verse. Because we hold each other’s lives in our hands, we have to help each other develop skills and strengths.
His message to struggling veterans is simple yet powerful: remember who you are and what you have already overcome. Growth requires moving through adversity rather than avoiding it.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
– James 1:2–4 (ESV)
Big Sarge finds inspiration from his 85-year-old father, who has worked with orphans in Mexico for 30 years. As a high school teacher and coach, Hansen remains committed to serving others as long as he is able.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Hansen’s athletic accomplishments since his injuries illustrate his relentless pursuit of growth:
- 12 veteran-inspired Tough Mudder and Spartan races
- Completion of the Red Bull 400 while pushing a semi-paralyzed veteran uphill
- Participation in the CBS Triumph Games
- NorCal Masters Crossfit Championships competitor
- Multiple century cycling events
- Two third-place finishes in America’s Strongest Master
- Competitor in America’s Strongest Veteran and Arnold Strongman Masters
- Completion of the Army 10-Miler alongside his wife
Physically, Hansen has undergone remarkable transformation. Standing 6’2” before injury and 6’1.5” afterward, he currently weighs 325 pounds with 24% body fat. Since beginning strongman training, he has added 50 pounds of muscle while reducing body fat by 6%. His performance highlights include a 550-pound bench press, 650-pound squat, and five 750-pound deadlifts in 60 seconds at the Arnold Strongman event.
FINISHING STRONG – STRONGER THAN EVER
At age 59, Hansen continues balancing fatherhood, coaching, competition, and full-time work as a personal trainer. With a young son, six daughters, and grandchildren, his greatest goal extends beyond athletics: being fully present as a father.
He hopes to secure sponsorship that will allow him to focus more fully on training, competition, and veteran support. Yet accolades remain secondary to impact.
Guided by Romans 8:24 and Romans 8:28, Hansen’s life reflects hope, love, strong faith in Jesus and divine purpose even amid suffering. He says, “Romans 8:24 is all about hope. Romans 8:28 is about love. I don’t think we should swerve from that.”
MORE THAN A NICKNAME
“Big Sarge” originated unexpectedly. After leaving the Marine Corps and attempting to reenlist following 9/11, Hansen joined the National Guard when age restrictions prevented his return to the USMC. As he exited the recruiting office, a recruiter casually remarked, “See you soon, Big Sarge.” The nickname stuck and became symbolic of both identity and legacy.
THE BATTLE BACK HOME
For Hansen, the battle did not end with injury or retirement from military service. Instead, it evolved into a mission of restoration — helping veterans and their families reclaim strength, purpose, and hope and build character strength in God.
His story demonstrates that resilience is not defined by physical perfection but by perseverance, faith, and service to others. Whether training clients, competing in strongman events, or simply showing up as a father, Hansen embodies a simple truth: strength is not merely measured in pounds lifted, but in lives impacted.
Big Sarge continues fighting — not against an enemy, but for purpose, family, and the opportunity to help others rise stronger.
Wounded the Battle Back Home Series – Big Sarge
Contact Information: William Hansen can be reached at william.hansen@gmail.com for motivational speaking engagements. In addition, this Fall he will be launching a podcast focused on positive masculinity, exploring themes of faith, fatherhood, fitness, and freedom.
