Army SSG Michael Brown

Scotch Plains, NJ

Inspired to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, Michael Brown enlisted in the Army in 2001.

On October 15, 2009, during his third combat deployment, Staff Sergeant Brown was serving as an Infantry squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in Afghanistan, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) resulting in the loss of his right leg above the knee.

Airlifted to Kandahar, and then transported to Landstuhl, Germany, Mike received blood transfusions and additional surgeries before returning stateside to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he spent eight months receiving extensive rehabilitation therapy. He returned to active duty and worked for the Department of Military Instruction and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization before his retirement in 2021.

Now retired from the Army, Michael stays active working for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and caring for his dog, Toby.

Originally from New York, Mike is choosing to build his home in New Jersey to be close to his family.

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