SFC Thomas Costello

Grover, NC

On September 20, 2011, Sergeant First Class Costello was serving as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant with Operational Detachment Alpha 3435, Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during a dismounted reconnaissance patrol. He sustained an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg, severe damage to his left leg and right arm, bilateral hearing loss, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

He was airlifted to Kandahar for life-saving treatment before transferring to Landstuhl, Germany. Stateside, Billy underwent additional surgeries and extensive therapy at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Billy and his wife, Jennifer, have three children: Wesley, Tyler, and Evelyn. Billy is an avid outdoors enthusiast with a passion for SCUBA diving, snowboarding, and caring for his farm. He is actively involved in organizations that support his community, Veterans, and outdoor recreation, including the Cleveland County Baptist Association and No Person Left Behind Outdoors. He is also a proud alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Originally from Maryland, Billy is choosing to build his home in North Carolina to be close to family and friends.

Donate to this Veteran’s Project