Gunnery Sergeant Carl Traub, USMC
On October 30, 2005, in Iraq, Gunnery Sergeant Traub’s Humvee ran over an IED. He suffered severe spinal cord injury and severe trauma to his right arm and leg from the blast.,

Months into rehabilitation it was determined that Gunny Traub would benefit from having both legs amputated above the knees.

Today a true testament to an indomitable spirit, he works with other wounded service members and continues to find ways to strengthen his life and others.

Lance Corporal Justin Kinnee, USMC
In October, 2005, while on foot patrol in Iraq, an IED exploded two feet away from Corporal Kinnee. Suffering from 90% blood loss, he experienced a severe stroke and today lives with the affects of his Traumatic Brain Injury including a paralyzed left arm, numbness in his face and difficulty with speech. Highly motivated to regain use of his arm, he is working hard at rehabilitation.

Lance Corporal Adam Sardinas, USMC
In the middle of a fire fight in Ramadi, on April 26, 2006, Lance Corporal Sardinas’ right thumb was shredded as a rocket propelled grenade exploded, showering him with shards of hot metal. Badly wounded, he continued to hold the trigger of the grenade launcher until another Marine was able to relieve him. He had lost two of his closest friends weeks before, and refused to give up. Emotional and physical scars continue to affect him today.

Sergeant Eric Edmundson, USA
On October 2, 2005, Sergeant Edmundson sustained serious injuries when his Stryker vehicle hit an IED while in Iraq. He suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his abdomen, right leg and back. Additionally an anoxic brain injury now limits his mobility, speech and ability to care for himself. In spite of his injuries, he remains a fighter.

These are but a few of the real life stories of our American warriors, our heroes. There are many more and they touch us all.