SPC Christopher Brooks

Bristol, VA

Christopher Brooks remembers coming home from school on 9/11 to his mother crying in front of the television. He immediately felt it was his calling to serve his country. In October 2002, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the Army.

On March 7, 2007, Specialist Brooks, on his second combat deployment, was serving with the 1451st Transportation Company as a Motor Transport Operator when the vehicle he was driving hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad, Iraq. SPC Brooks was knocked unconscious during the blast and had to be extricated from the vehicle. When he regained consciousness, he could not feel his legs.

Airlifted to Baghdad, then transported to Landstuhl, Germany, Chris returned stateside to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss where he stayed for nine months. After numerous surgeries to replace three inches of his femur that he lost in the blast and rigorous physical therapy to help him walk again, Chris has regained some mobility but still does not have complete use of his legs.

Now medically retired, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors and refinishing furniture. Although he has made great strides in his recovery, Chris continues to face obstacles in his home. His current multilevel residence is not wheelchair accessible, and he worries about the risk of falling, especially as he ages.

Receiving a specially adapted custom home will allow Chris to be more independent. He looks forward to spending quality time with his family and having space in his home to host family and friends on the holidays for the first time. Chris would like to pay it forward by being a support system for other Veterans.

Originally from North Carolina, Chris is choosing to build his home in Virginia, a location he considers calm, quiet, and peaceful.

Chris would like to thank HFOT donors and supporters for a new lease on life. “This opportunity has given me hope, focus, and drive for my future. Anything is possible.” 

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