Bryan Wagner
Specialist, US Army
Athletic Training
Bryan enlisted in the US Army and shortly after deployed to Baghdad. While conducting combat operations, Bryan was struck by three large anti-armor improvised explosive devices. The explosion severely damaged both of his legs. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Bryan spent almost two years recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. At the advice of several peer mentors who had gone through the same experience, Bryan decided to have his right leg amputated, convinced he could be more active as an amputee than as a limb salvage patient.
The Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) program helped Bryan in his transition by providing him with a housing subsidy to help alleviate the financial stress of his physical limitations. Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of North Florida. He is currently studying for the Board of Certification and plans to continue his education with a doctorate of physical therapy from the University of North Florida or the University of Saint Augustine.
