Tom Marcum

Technical Sergeant Tom Marcum pondered how to reply to the interviewer’s question: What is something most people don’t know…

Justin Constantine

“Even though I try not to,” admits Justin Constantine,“I still feel embarrassed and guilty about my injury.” A heartfelt confession like…

Joe Washam

An explosion echoed in US Army Sergeant Joe Washam’s ears as he ran for his life – his body engulfed in flames. "If this is read, tell my family…"

Tad Stuart

“As soon as we hit,” recalls Chief Warrant Officer Tad Stuart, “it was catastrophic.” His routine maintenance test flight of the OH-58D Kiowa…

Barry Albert

“I’ve got to be insane,” Barry Albert thought to himself as he hung up the phone on an Army recruiter who was in mid-sentence. The recruiter had just…

Joe Caley

In addition to TBI, Joe suffered injuries to both feet. That, on top of the vestibular paresis, made it virtually impossible for Joe to walk.

William (Bill) Thomas

I'm inspired by other veterans who encourage me and teach me things about PTSD - like keeping my emotions, anxiety, and anger in check…

Oscar Olguin

October 28, 2004 – Ramadi, Iraq – it was supposed to be Specialist Oscar Olguin’s day to relax, de-stress, and recharge. But fate wouldn’t have…

Anthony Villarreal

“For he today that sheds his blood with me shall forever be my brother.” - “Henry V” Act IV, Scene III Corporal Anthony Villarreal cites that quote…

Mike Heller

Mike Heller’s eyes transfixed on the broken gear shift in his hand. In a fit of rage, he had just snapped it off while slamming his car into park. As his…

Brent Whitten

Brent Whitten’s wife soon became known as the waitress whose husband calls from Iraq. Brent and Rachel married a week after graduating…

Deron Santiny

If you’ve ever had a swollen foot…or sprained your elbow…or bruised your knee. Imagine if those injuries were to your brain.

Chad Brumpton

“All of the sudden someone sets off an IED,” says Chad. “It punched a hole through the tank, right under my left foot.” The blast thrust Chad's head…

Paul De La Cerda

Paul De La Cerda walked into the Army recruiting station and told the recruiter, “I want airborne, infantry.” The recruiter questioned Paul’s…

Roberto Cruz

It was June of 2003 when Roberto Cruz proudly followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Army. He was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq in January…

Claude Boushey

"I remember the ground coming really quick, and there was nothing I could do," Claude Boushey said, reflecting on the helicopter crash in Iraq that…

Severa Rodriquez

"It was real hard," says Severa. "I was still kind of bitter, still kind of angry, still motivated. I loved the Marine Corps and didn't want to get out.

Harold "Butch" Freeman

Born into a military family based in upstate New York, Harold "Butch" Freeman has considered the Army his second his second home ever since…

David Guzman

Infamous as the menace of the neighborhood as a child, David Guzman hopes to be a famous chef in the future. The Purple Heart he wears…

Dan Smee

Dan Smee might look like your average guy next door, but upon a closer look, there's nothing remotely average about him. A combat medic whose resilience…