How motorcycle riding helps this veteran stay focused on the things that matter

By all accounts, Jaqueline Carrizosa is about as badass as it gets.

The former Navy gunner's mate and rescue swimmer has turned her civilian life into careers as a body builder, Hollywood technical expert and competitive motocross racer.

And while she's serious about reaching her goals, Carrizosa knows how to let her hair down and connect with people from all walks of life.

Maybe she's like Wonder Woman with tattoos.

Though, she credits her Navy career with shaping her outlook on life, it's riding that keeps her grounded, Carrizosa said.

"Riding to me is how I find my zen," Carrizosa said. "I can have the worst day in the world and [ride] and I don't think about anything else — nothing else exists in my head."

That ability to shut out the noise came in handy after Carrizosa suffered a near-fatal accident on a bicycle last year. She was nearly paralyzed when a motorist hit her and sent her to the hospital for weeks.

But she bounced back and is seen as a hero to many in the veteran community for her tenacity and activism.

"I like that me pushing my own personal boundaries and sharing that story motivates other people," Carrizosa said. "I love the letters I get from fathers who tell me that their 8-year-old daughter loves me and wants to ride because of me."

"I think that's awesome."