You see him walking out of the store, wearing blue jean shorts, a black t-shirt, and holding a cane in his left hand. If your reading this or if someone were to ask you what was wrong with him, what would be your reaction? Would it be: “I don’t know” or would you just sit there staring at him? Would it occur to you that he was one of our many men and women over seas that are fighting for our country? Would it occur to you that the twenty-three year old man you are looking at was injured while protecting his convey? Watching for any suspicious actions that would in anyway harm anyone on the convey. This being the second time being “blown up” while on duty. In this you will learn about this wonderful, brave man, his military life, and why he says he’s not a hero while yet leaving his name disclosed.

He was born in Rochester, New York in the year of 1985. Not yet knowing what his life would entail. He was born from a family line of police officers and one military family member, being his grandfather. He lived the rest of his growing years from foster home to foster home. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and all the dirty stuff little boys do. From middle school to the end of his high school career he was a runner. Running his heart out in marathons and running for track. After graduating high school at the age of eighteen, he joined the army.

After joining and going through three months of basic training, he was deployed to Baghdad. Staying there for fifteen months before returning home. “It was a very nerve racking experience.” He said after being asked how he felt on the deployment. He was home for two months before returning for deployment to Fallulah, Staying yet again for another 15 months. “It wasn’t as nerve racking as the first but it still feels as the first because you are still in a war zone.” he said. Yet this deployment was very different from the first. Getting “blown up” (as he likes to say) twice on this same deployment.

“Why do you say your not a hero?”

“Because I’m not dead. It’s a job. There are those who have and are working just as hard as I did who are dying out on the field. They are the real heroes. They gave up their life for their job. I merely gave up a leg and ended up with a couple of injuries. Therefore, I am not a hero but a fellow comrade.” Words said from a man of honor, loyalty, and liberty. If only we could all be like him.