Chad Rozanski, US Army
2023 Recipient
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Chad joined the Army not long after graduating from high school, wanting to give back and seeking change. He enlisted as a fire support specialist with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. Chad loved the brotherhood and camaraderie he developed while serving with his brothers in arms.
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In 2005, Sergeant Rozanski went on his first tour to Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment. During that deployment, on July, 2, 2006, Sergeant Rozanski’s vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) in Ramadi, Iraq. The blast caused the vehicle to rollover, pinning SGT Rozanski underneath the burning wreckage. It took SGT Rozanski’s team members almost an hour to free him from the vehicle by digging with shovels and using a jack.
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Once transferred back to the United States, Chad began what he describes as a long and painful recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center. He underwent countless surgeries, with doctors amputating both of his legs above the knee. He also sustained burns to almost 40 percent of his body, which required skin grafts. Despite all he’s been through, Chad still considers himself a lucky man.
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Now medically retired, Chad’s two children are his whole world.
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Chad's motorcycle riding experience is limited but it's something he's wanted to do as long as he can remember.
"Words would not be able to describe the amount of joy something like this will bring to my life".