PORTLAND (WGME) -- Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills lost portions of his arms and legs while serving his country in Afghanistan.
He says the mission in Afghanistan wasn't all for nothing.
Mills says military members should be proud of their work.
They dug wells, built schools and hospitals and helped the local economy.
Mills acknowledges the pullout could have been handled better but adds the U.S. probably should have left there a long time ago.
"It's that sink or swim mentality,” Mills said. “We had to let Afghanistan see if they could stand on their own. Unfortunately, it didn't go the way we hoped it would, but I think we brought some stability in the region as well as kept the fight over there instead of on our shores."
A foundation in Maine in Mills' name helps veterans wounded in post-9/11 wars and offers a retreat for them and their families.
Mills stopped by the CBS13 studios to record a segment on Afghanistan for CBS Sunday Morning.
It's scheduled to run this Sunday between 9-10:30 a.m. on CBS13.