• Brian was born in 1980 and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Brian followed in his father's footsteps and joined the US Army in 2000 as a Special Operations Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. 

• He married Brianna in 2007 and his son Magnum was born in 2010. 

• Brian and his family moved to several posts finally remaining at Ft. Bragg, NC.

• Brian was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. 

• On September 19, 2010, Brian was struck with an improvised explosive device (IED) while working with the Army Rangers.

• The IED claimed both of Brian’s legs, a finger and part of his forearm. He was med-evacuated and he awoke from his injuries on September 25, 2010 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

• Brian met his goals of walking with crutches at his family Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and completing most of the Miami-to-Key West Soldier (Bike) Ride. He has also mastered scuba diving, skiing, driving a car, and now, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar. He and his wife were also honored guests at the President’s State of the Union Address.

• Brian and his family are currently living in West Palm Beach, Florida.

• Brian was elected to the US Congress in the 2016 elections and is currently serving as U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Florida.

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