At the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 12, 2013.

On his final tour as a Marine in Afghanistan, Eric “Mac” McElvenny stepped on an IED and lost his right leg below the knee.

Unable to stand without support in his hospital room, but with nerves of steel and the heart of a lion, McElvenny vowed to complete an ironman triathlon.

He made good on that promise through a long journey of tribulation, grit and faith.

He will share that journey — and the life’s lessons he learned through it — as the keynote speaker at the Kosciusko Community YMCA Good Friday breakfast, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, April 14, at Christ’s Covenant Church, 2090 E. Pierceton Road, Winona Lake.

“On his journey from the hospital bed in southern California to the finish line in Kona, Hawaii, he realized that the challenge and adversity he was up against and the techniques he used to reach the finish line could be used against the challenges we all entertain,” states his website, www.ericmcelvenny.com.

During his presentation, McElvenny will give the audience tools and techniques for overcoming life’s obstacles through powerful, funny and emotional stories.

McElvenny gives motivational presentations at schools, churches, civic groups, business conventions and other gatherings around the country.

Adam Zyski, who serves on McElvenny’s management team, has known McElvenny for more than 20 years.

“I have seen many assemblies over the past 12 years as a teacher, but I have never seen a speaker captivate and engage our students in such a way as Eric did,” he said.

“You could hear a pin drop as the students leaned in on every word of his powerful presentation.”

Zyski added, “Whether it was in the classroom or on the ball field, Mac always had an incomparable work ethic and a never quit mentality.

“People are drawn to his positive energy and uplifting personality. He’s that guy that you hope RSVPs to your party because you know that everyone else will show up once they find out Mac’s going.”

McElvenny lives in California with his wife, Rachel, and their three children. He attends Bethel Seminary and Gracepoint Church, both in San Diego.

“Sometimes it is easiest for us to see God’s work when looking through the rearview mirror,” he said. “God’s fingerprints are found along the paths of our lives,” a concept McElvenny explores during his talks.

“He is a husband, a father, a coach, an athlete, a role model, a hero and a true inspiration,” said Zyski. “I am honored to call him my best friend.”

Tickets for the breakfast are $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight.

For more information, call Matt Goebel at (574) 269-9622, ext. 235.