Fairhope Man On Cheerios Box

Patrick Peterson, a former Army Corporal, was paraylized in a motorcycle accident eight years ago. But losing the use of his legs hasn't stopped this ambitious, young man from enjoying life and taking on new challenges. Peterson won three gold medals in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games last summer. Now eight months later, he's got new hardware to add to his collection.

General Mills has honored Peterson and put his name and face on three million Cheerios boxes!

"That's a lot of Cheerios with my name and face on it," says Peterson. It's awesome!"

The Fairhope man still can't believe he's now a national hero.

"I love Cheerios," says Peterson. "Now I've got some validation, it gives me a whole other sense of self worth."

The cereal giant did make one mistake. The box lists Peterson's hometown as Fairhope, Alaska.

"I couldn't believe it! But hey, at least I made the box!"

Peterson's father, Andrew, is just as excited and proud.

"I'm exploding, "says Andrew. "I don't know how to express it. He just don't let nothing get him down, he's got that drive, go, go, go! And I love him! I love him!"

General Mills shipped Peterson an entire case of Cheerios as their way of saying thanks to a man whose ability to overcome life-changing challenges has touched so many lives.

The three million Cheerios boxes will be available on military bases and canteens.