Hannah Cvancara, a physically fit and patriotic individual from Spokane, Washington, has been motivated to join the U.S. military despite facing a challenging condition that the military considers disqualifying: an amputated left foot. Despite this setback, which she acquired at just 10 months old due to a rare birth defect, Cvancara has not let it slow her down. She has participated in various physical activities such as rock climbing, snowboarding, surfing, and hiking, as well as sports like swim team, track, and volleyball in school.
However, despite her physical capabilities and determination, Cvancara was rejected from enlisting in the Navy due to her amputation. The Navy cited that she did not meet the established physical standards for enlistment. While active-duty troops who have lost limbs are still eligible to serve, those seeking to enlist face automatic disqualification if they have a current absence of a foot, according to the Defense Department’s Medical Standards for Military Service. Despite this policy, Cvancara remains determined to join the military and is currently in training to seek a medical waiver to join the Washington Air National Guard. She also works as a full-time ER nurse and wishes to continue serving in uniform.
Cvancara’s father, Lt. Col. Joseph Cvancara, a retired Air Force flight surgeon, admires his daughter’s perseverance and describes her as bringing joy to those around her. He believes that she is more able-bodied than most people they encounter on a daily basis. Cvancara’s prosthetist, Alex Gates, also points out that medical progress in prosthetics has outpaced the outdated thinking that governs military enlistment policies. Cvancara has taken her challenge to Congress, lending her name to a House bill called the “Hannah Cvancara Service Act,” which aims to change the military’s policy on allowing amputees to enlist.
While Cvancara acknowledges the concerns behind the military’s policy and the need for soldiers to be deployable, she is seeking a medical waiver for a position that would not involve frontline combat. She emphasizes the advancements in prosthetics, which have enabled amputees to lead active lifestyles and fulfill various roles within the military. Cvancara advocates for acknowledging ability over disability and hopes to inspire positive change in the military’s approach to accommodating individuals like herself who are determined to serve their country despite physical limitations.
