Connect

Share Your Story

Shared Stories

• Brian Knutson 56 Major United States Air Force

  Puyallup, WA United States

  January 1991; The Thunder and Lightning of Desert Storm had been raging for several days. My job is a Medic. I care for the wounded, the hurt, t... Read More

• Blain Tomlinson 45 United States Marine Corps

  Long Beach, CA United States

  I broke my back at USMC OCS. I'm now associated with www.stemedica.com. They are searching for 6-10 TBI patients for a dual stem cell line clinic... Read More

• David A Nicholson 57 AD2 / E-5 United States Navy

  Plant City, FL United States

  I am a US NAVY Vet (12 yrs active Duty ) I was in Afghanistan from Aug. 2010 - April 28, 2011. Supporting the US Troops.When my small remote FOB ca... Read More

• Chelsea 25 E-5 United States Army

  ME Iraq

  Back in 2006, I never imagined the hardest part of marrying a soldier could come after deployment and discharge. When he came home from 3 deployme... Read More

• Joshua "Gunny" Brown 37 Gunnery Sergeant United States Marine Corps

  Evansville, IN United States

  I am a 100% Disabled and Medically Retired Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. I served over a decade and a half of Honorable Se... Read More

• Josh "Gunny" Brown 37 Gunnery Sergeant United States Marine Corps

  Evansville, IN Afghanistan

  I am a 100% Disabled and Medically Retired Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. I served over a decade and a half of Honorable Se... Read More

• Nancy Good 76 United States Army

  Savanna, GA United States

  This is regarding my Grandson he was on a night training misshion and the tank hatch broke and smashed his head in he was in a coma for 6 weeks and... Read More

• Robert Williams 75 Seaman United States Navy

  Marina del Rey, CA United States

  I joined the U.S.Navy on sept. 15 1955 and was promised lifetime medical coverage. I served four years exactly to September 15 1959. I do not ha... Read More

• Michael Hernandez 43 First Lieutenant United States Army

  Bronx New York, NY United States

  I just started a non profit organization to build homes for veterans, through the GSA to turn commercial federal property to residential living spa... Read More

• angela 46 Sister

  woodlciff lake, NJ United States Minor Outlying Islands

  burce played in the lambertville cemcetery when my brothetr rich santoli lived there. we are looking for yo come to party. I think if you you ... Read More

• Carl offering to share Man Cave. 55 None No Relationship

  Edina, MN United States

  Just saw a story on ABC's Nightline (11/8/12) and had a brainstorm. While I never served, I have great respect for those who did or are still ... Read More

• Christopher M. Howard 33 Brother

  San Francisco, CA United States

  As a civilian photographer recovering from a traumatic brain injury whose father and brother are military, I'd like to help increase awareness of t... Read More

• Tim doyle 50 E-1 United States Army

  scottsdale, AZ United States

  I am proud to have served in the 82nd airborne at ft bragg NC. My story is actually my father's story, Ltc William Doyle. He was listed as "the las... Read More

• Mike L. 28 E4 United States Marine Corps

  San Francisco, CA United States

  Took me years to get over my tours of duty in Iraq. I learned a lot about struggle and perseverance. Writing my thoughts and stories from war saved... Read More

• Marcus Dean 33 E5 / SGT United States Army

  New York, NY United States

  I'm US Army Veteran, served multiple tours in the Middle East. SInce Active Duty, I've been pursuing a career in Comedy. Living in NYC full time... Read More

• john hoefen 64

  marion, NY United States

  Our son Mark collasped one day and suffered a TBI.he actualy had a fractured skull epiduarl hematoma and front contusions. We were told at the hosp... Read More

• Amelia Nava 38 Father

  merced, CA United States

  My dad served in the Vietnam War. He suffered a traumatic brain injury in April 8, 2012. He fell down, going downstairs in his house. He is sti... Read More

• Shaun Best 46 NA Son

  Smackover, AR United States

  I was hit in the head by an automobile in 1977 at age 12. This challenge resulted in a three month coma in Arkansas. I've worked to recover from ... Read More

• ED CURTIS 51 United States Navy

  FARGO, ND United States

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WibmcsEGLKo&feature=related &http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wseyWRBWzyM&feature=related THE GREATEST SPEECHS EVER!... Read More

• ED CURTIS 51 United States Navy

  FARGO, ND United States

  WE CAN END THE WAR RIGHT HERE ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WibmcsEGLKo&feature=related The Greatest Speech Ever Made http://www.youtube.co... Read More

• David Cox 61 Major/Retired United States Air Force

  Highland, IN Afghanistan

  Without Condoning his actions, as you are still responsible for your own actions, we need to have our thoughts and prayers not only for the decease... Read More

• Casey 32

  Brooklyn, NY United States

  My post here is a bit unusual. I saw a special on TV about five years ago about a soldier who sustained damage to his hippocampus in an IED explosi... Read More

• Ana Salguero 53 Corporal United States Marine Corps

  North Hollywood, CA United States

  I have a 27 years old sun. He served this country as USA Marine. He was suffering of PTSD after he came back from Irak. One night he went to 7-11 s... Read More

• Joe 33 Staff Sergeant United States Marine Corps

  Marlton, NJ United States

  I served in Iraq during the initial invasion. I crossed breach point west into Iraq the night of March 19th 2003 with my unit. I was with I MEF T... Read More

• stephen d. cunningham 57 E-4 United States Navy

  tampa, FL United States

  Sir since my lastletter i posted notting has changed i still dont get any help for my TBI since my hellicopter crash while in the US NAVY i split m... Read More

• john 32 SSG E-6 United States Army

  loveland , OH Iraq

  I was an Infantry SSG (E-6) in 4 years. I seen my career took from my by my injuries and now I sit at home with the faces of the people that I kill... Read More

• Stephen D.Cunningham 57 E2 United States Navy

  tampa, FL United States

  HI everyone still today as a human who had two TBI in the US NAVY in 72-75 who was punnished abused and medical neglect I still dont get any help T... Read More

• Nina Gilberti Civilian

  Los Angeles, CA United States

  NEW DOCUMENTARY being made about COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING, and HOPE for our Veterans and their families: "When Jane & Johnny Come Marching Homele... Read More

• Angela Tucker Betancourt 33 Civilian

  New York, NY United States

  On July 31st 2008, my husband and I were driving home from a Yankees game. An USPS 18-wheeler jackknifed on the New York State Thruway and came ac... Read More

• Timothy 49 E-3 United States Navy

  Waco, TX United States

  I am a veteran who suffered PTSD due to 2 different aircraft crashes. I worked on the hanger deck during the first one, and witnessed the second. ... Read More

• Shirley Koss 30 Gy Sgt. (spouse) United States Marine Corps

  New York, NY United States

  On February 20, 2006 my future husband's life would forever be changed. After 8 years of service in the USMC, Sgt. Christopher Claude was deployed ... Read More

• AW Schade 64 Sgt United States Marine Corps

  Orlando, FL United States

  The Demons of War are Persistent My name is Schade: I am a Vietnam Veteran with PTSD By A.W. Schade awschade@gmail.com www.awschade.com ... Read More

• Hector Manley 22 NA Father

  Tampa, FL United States

  Hello, I've had the honor to meet Bob Woodruff and what a wonderful person he is. I am a double amputee and live my life to the fullest. I am a col... Read More

• John 28 E-5 United States Army

  NY United States

  Been in WTU for 2 months now, from wounds suffered in 2004-2006 in Taji and Fallujah. TBI, PTSD, Lower Back Injury, Conductive hearing loss, non st... Read More

• Laurel L. Powers 52 Mother

  Shawnee, OK United States

  I was not in the military. I did not get injured fighting for our country. My father was a Marine who fought in Vietnam, my brother served in Jap... Read More

• Janie 39 E5 United States Army

  Louisville, KY Iraq

  My husband was injured in a motor vehicle accident while in Iraq. He was the TC in a machine gun truck. He broke his back in multiple places, suf... Read More

• Stephen D. Cunningham 0 E-2 United States Navy

  Impearial Beach, CA United States

  HI everyone my story started on 12-25-1972 i was in the U S NAVY Hellicopter Combat Support 7 stationed at nas ib sandiego cal. it was about 3-4 in... Read More

• Rachel Blasdell 20 Lcpl United States Marine Corps

  Richlands, NC Afghanistan

  While i was in highschool my husband was deployed for afghanistan and I did a senior project on the Bob Woodruff foundation and donated money to th... Read More

• Keith 38 PO2 United States Navy

  Aledo, TX United States

  I was caught in the concussion blast of a car bomb, in Baghdad, on May 17th, 2004. I did not display any immediate effects from this, so I was neve... Read More

• David Packard 39 Civilian Anonymous

  Greenville, PA United States

  Traumatic Brain Injury Please keep in mind that I have never been in the military but, understand the barriers, hurdles, and support systems (or... Read More

• Deborah Gibbons 58

  Ely, MN United States

  Now we have a new life, our own renaissance, nothing less and nothing that will ever be taken away from us, again.    Thank you for my chance... Read More

• SPC Marshall Devin 32 E-4 United States Army

  Fort Hood, TX United States

  My name is SPC Marshall and I am currently serving on active duty at Fort Hood,TX. Two years ago I was deployed to Iraq in support of OIF while the... Read More

• Patricia 70 Anonymous

  Lakewood, NJ United States

  Had a blood vessel erupt under my brain in 1977. they had to move the brain in order to repair the vessel, and then replace the brain. It swelled a... Read More

• Jennifer Hart 40 04 United States Army

  San Antonio, TX United States

  My name is Jennifer Hart. In 2005 and 2006 I was forward deployed to Balad, Iraq. I was sent with a Reserve Unit and while there was brutally raped... Read More

• Roman Baca 36 E-5 United States Marine Corps

  New York, NY United States

  Dear Bob Woodruff Foundation, Dear Bob Woodruff Foundation, I am a Marine Corps Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Fre... Read More

• Karen H 38 E-4 United States Army

  Molalla, OR United States

  My husband is in the 162nd Engineers out of Dallas, Oregon. His unit went to Afghanistan for a year's deployment to clear routes for the Marine Cor... Read More

• Bill McMillan 58

  Ashland, OR United States

  We wanted to let you all know about The Welcome Home Project and the feature length documentary film, "The Welcome", on returning Veterans and fami... Read More

• Beth Moody 53 Captain United States Air Force

  Sparkill, NY United States

  I'm lucky because I know the exact moment the first domino fell that would eventually topple our lives. 9/11. I worked in the city at a school fo... Read More

• Jamie Keyes 51

  Statham, GA United States

  My son served 7 years in the Army, to include two tours/combat in Iraq. The son that I once knew came home a different person, as the war left him ... Read More

• Ernie 40 United States Air Force

  United States

  This is very hard as i am an old school type disable veteran, that doesnt like to talk nevertheless talk about feelings. 1993-2003 was my active ye... Read More

• Dr. Phyllis Moore-Tolliver 49 CIV Mother

  Disputanta, VA United States

  Good evening all. My daughter Jessica A. Moore an honor student at Seton Hall University dream was to become a psychologist and treat service me... Read More

• Ernie 40 United States Air Force

  United States

  the biggest item that ive noticed is the feeling of being alone. Even going to the VA or any Doctor there is still a feeling of being alone and tha... Read More

• Brett dawson 26 E3 United States Marine Corps

  Blackwood, NJ United States

  I'm lcpl Dawson I was wounded in Marjah Afghanistan I was on a patrol looking for a possible ied. I found it,just not the way I wanted to it was a ... Read More

• Kara Hoban 31 Civilian

  Pittsburgh, PA United States

  I am a 31 year old civilian 1 year post TBI. I was in an induced coma, was in a regular hospital and then a rehab hospital, after discharge I had ... Read More

• Elin 25 Sister

  WI Afghanistan

  My brother should have turned 27 on Monday. He did not. My brother, who struggled with PTSD, was truly positively impacted by his time spent with a... Read More

• ashley 27

  Los Angeles, CA United States

  My brother is in the National Guard, and was deployed to Iraq in November 2007. He came back a year later and unfortunatley was using oxycontin, wh... Read More

• patty Civilian Sister

  KY United States

  My sister has suffered from mental illness (MI) and severe depression for many years due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident. Med... Read More

• Kathleen 28 Friend

  Cushing, OK United States

  This isn't my story but I'll tell you anyway. My boyfriend came back from Iraq and he seemed to be doing OK. He has extreme back pain and suffers... Read More

• reinaldo barrera 23 pfc United States Army

  guilford, CT Afghanistan

  I was deployed to Afghanistan 1 week after i graduated basic training about month later my mounted patrol was ambush by at 50 Taliban members I was... Read More

• Amanda 23 Wife

  NY United States

  My husband is in the WTU and is dealing with a Traumatic brain injury, PTSD, hearing loss and hip and knee problems. That all happended in 2006 and... Read More

• Brian 50 LCDR United States Army

  Surprise, AZ United States

  I was working in DC in a Joint Staff position when I was deployed to Texas for Hurricane Ike disaster relief. While helping set up the field medic... Read More

• Shelly Roberts 31 Civilian

  Rison, AR United States

  Bob's story gives me hope. In June 2008, I, along with my two young children, were in a severe motor vehicle collision. I don't like to call it a... Read More

• alie 30 United States Army

  OK Afghanistan

  My husband served one year in Afghanistan. He came back from deployment nearly a year ago, march 17th, 2009. He was involved in an incident with an... Read More

• Michelle McCloskey-Alicea 34 Sister

  Philadelphia, PA United States

  On June 8, 2008, my brother Kevin McCloskey, an US Army Specialist, was struck by an IED in Afghanistan. Kevin suffered multiple life-changing inj... Read More

• LInda Kelly 61 1st Lt United States Army

  Mansfield, MA United States

  Yesterday, I was in a doctor's office waiting room. The Bonnie Hunt show happened to be on and she was interviewing Bob and his wife. I had tear... Read More

• sandi 54 Daughter

  Port Angeles, WA United States

  My father was a two-time vet of Vietnam, returning the second time with TBI and PTSD. In those years, the military denied PTSD. Our whole family s... Read More

• Hendrika Winn 56 Mother

  Albuquerque, NM United States

  After my son, Sgt. David Schaaf, returned from his tour in Iraq in Feb. 2008 he noticed severe hearing loss in his left ear. He had it checked out ... Read More

• B.C. Fleming 25 SGT/E-5 United States Army

  Fort Worth, TX United States

  GETTING ATTACKED BY A SUICIDE BOMBER NEVER FELT SO GOOD! My name is B.C. Fleming and I'm a US Army veteran from the war in Afghanistan. I was blo... Read More

• Nikki Stephens 29 United States Marine Corps

  wildomar, CA United States

  My name is Nikki Stephens and my husband john is an oif veteran, Serving a tour in Iraq in 2004 acquired an injury that went unrecognized for 5 yea... Read More

• Z Zazhine 54 No Relationship

  Agua Dulce, CA United States

  my Oct.24 post on my blog: I am a Brain-Injury Victor. No one gave me a medal or a parade. Don’t want one, don’t need one. Having sight again an... Read More

• Deanna Davis 37 E-7 United States Army

  Fort Knox, KY United States

  It is not my story to tell, but my husband is a humble man... In Nov 2008 my husband sustained a TBI during an IED attack while on patrol in Afghan... Read More

• Dee Lemann 62 Mother

  donaldsonville, LA United States

  This book has touched me in a wonderful way. My son at 19 had a TBI from a water skiing accident. I,too,had the wonderful friends, family, commun... Read More

• Jean Marie Gibbs 42 United States Air Force

  NY United States

  My husband is a captain in the US Air Force and I am on vacation in Germany. My son was admitted to Landstuhl hospital and needed an emergency app... Read More

• Kay Pratt 58 Civillian Anonymous

  Placentia, CA United States

  Thanks to Bob, his wife, family, colleagues and friends around the world who continue to educate the masses regarding TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).... Read More

• Jeff S 38 former United States Navy

  Dallas, TX United States

  Mrs. Woodruff; Thank You for your investment in TBIs. I was the Team Leader for ABC News' Security in New Orleans '05 and handled Bob's personal se... Read More

• Rev. Clyde Silver 68 ADR 3 United States Navy

  Buffalo, NY Spain

  I was particularly happy to read in "Parade" magazine about the newer position on recovery from TBI, "Can Brains Be Saved?", by Lee Woodruff. To s... Read More

• Michelle 44 civilian

  San Antonio, TX United States

  In 1990, I was hit head-on by a 16 ton cement truck doing 65mph. The truck hit us, pushed us back about 75 feet, hit us again and ran up over my M... Read More

• Toni Wymore 62 Senior Citizen No Relationship

  Colfax, CA United States

  Gosh finally read in Parade about ReMIND. I am keeping this short but, thank you very much for working to educate the public about TBI. Just... Read More

• Richard M. Flint 55 AMS-4 A6A Plane Captain United States Navy

  Salt Lake City, UT Viet Nam

  To the founder of this 501C-3, Outstanding! I have jsut written a letter to my Primary Care doctor, who is also, the Chief of Staff, at the Georg... Read More

• Betty Tuininga 58

  Binghamton, NY United States

  In 2008 I suffered a serious accident which which after two spinal surgeries has left me disabled. My TBI was not diagnosed for almost a year after... Read More

• Evan Mettie 25 Specialist United States Army

  Selah, WA United States

  Evan was injured 01-01-06 in Iraq. He received shrapnel to the left side of brain from a suicide car bomb. After 3 long years in hospitals, rehabs,... Read More

• Kristina 35 Wife of Veteran United States Army

  Houston, TX United States

  In addition to a peacekeeping deployment to Kosovo, my husband was deployed to Iraq twice. When he came home from his first Iraq deployment, he was... Read More

• Elizabeth Bucceri 37 United States Marine Corps

  East Rutherford, NJ United States

  My husband is a Marine and is now home an off duty, where I'm very happy that he is. But when he was overseas (both times) I was very lonely and ha... Read More

• Bonnie 40 spouse United States Air Force

  Washington, DC United States

  My husband is a civilian special agent with the AF and was critically injured by a suicide bomber in Oct 2004. He managed to not only survive a lar... Read More

• Christina 33 Wife of E-7 United States Army

  Honolulu, HI Afghanistan

  Thank you for starting this greatly needed foundation. My husband came home to me with a TBI a little over a year ago. The treatment has been very ... Read More

• Karen 49 Mother

  Alexandria, VA Afghanistan

  My daughter suffered a brain injury when she was 8 years old (she is now 13). It has been incredible for her to know that others have shared simil... Read More

• Tom Ryan 68 CW3/USA/RET United States Army

  San Antonio, TX United States

  My story is an old one: I used to ride past the 12th Field Hospital in Saigon and see the street in front of the emergency room covered in so much... Read More

• Hooahwife Army wife, AF sister

  Boston, MA United States

  My husband served in Iraq well after the "mission accomplished" proclamation. He's been home for a while. Our lives have been turned inside out a... Read More

• Yahya abdullah-Aziz 58 L/cpl E-3 United States Marine Corps

  Philadelphia, PA United States

  Dear Madame/Sir, Thanks for giving me this opportunity to share my story. I'm a Vietnam Veteran awarded the Purple Heart for injuries substained... Read More

• Lori Williams 45 Specialist 4 United States Army

  Conroe, TX United States

  Greetings, Thank you, thank you, thank you ReMIND.org for not only shedding the light about brain injury, but spreading the word. Hidden injury... Read More

• Nancy Gallegos

  CO Afghanistan

  Over the last 8 months, my husband and I have been going to Fort Carson, CO with my harp and playing for the wounded warriors who have returned and... Read More

• Ryan Sykes Po1

  VA United States

  Thank you for being the light in a tunnel. Read More

• Susie D. Owens Daughter

  TX United States

  Please help. My ex-husband, Walter D. Owens, of Austin-round rock, Texas, was also in the military. He got out to pursue a career in the biomedic... Read More

• Misty C. Copeland Wife Of Us Army Sgt E 5

  OK United States

  I need help with the next step. I am at a loss as to who or where to turn to next. My husband has severe PTSD and is still considered active duty u... Read More

• Craig Carson

  MO United States

  My children and I were able to be "extras" in a veterans' day tribute commercial that was filmed in Ozark, Mo this past weekend. According to our ... Read More

• D D.A.V.

  United States

  I have been a soldier for 15 years with countless deployments, TDY, and missions but when I left the army to start a family there was no transition... Read More

• Marcie Clark

  FL United States

  A bomb went off less than two feet from my husband just outside of Baghdad in July 2003, resulting in some critical injuries. Despite his proximity... Read More

• Amanda Military Spouse

  MI United States

  Mr. Woodruff, I have to say thank your for your book. My husband was hit by a roadside 1aug07 and as a result he is a BK amputee on his left side... Read More

• Shane Nault Sgt.

  WI United States

  I am the mother of a hero. My son, Sgt Shane Nault, was injured when his humvee hit an IED while in Baghdad. This happened on 05/08/2007. Shane had... Read More

• Chris Porter E4

  CA United States

  I am a member of the US Navy, and I was hurt during my deployment to Iraq. I had received injuries to various parts of my body, and finally I will ... Read More

• Kirsten Major

  IL United States

  I am a military member on the IRR since I gave birth to my daughter. I was in a car accident that was not my fault and it caused a severe TBI in m... Read More

• Linda Aag

  United States

  What exactly does your foundation do for our returning military with injuries? I have been on medical hold for over 18 months and have not heard o... Read More

• Dorothy Alley Mother

  MI United States

  I am writing this letter as a concerned mother and taxpayer. I am in total disbelief and disgust by the U.S. Army’s treatment of their most prized... Read More

• Janet Graham

  CA United States

  My husband was a healthy 81 year old man before last January 29th. He sailed his boat in Europe every summer for three months, skippered it himsel... Read More

• Linda Brashears Ssg (Medically Retired) Mother

  KY United States

  I returned from Iraq in Dec. 06 and knew something was wrong with me. I was lucky in that my social worker was familiar with TBIs, and I was able t... Read More

• Brenda Murdough Mother

  NH United States

  I am proud to be the mom af a soldier, wife of a soldier, sister of a soldier,sister-in-law of a soldier, and aunt of two very special young women ... Read More

• Amy

  OH United States

  While flipping the channels one day, I was mesmerized by what I was seeing- Bob Woodruff was interviewing an icon. My attention was not on what t... Read More

• Philip Northcutt Sergeant

  CA United States

  I was diagnosed with ptsd in Ramadi, Iraq and was later injured in combat. I am at the pathway home residential treatment center for combat vetera... Read More

• Wanda Brinkman Daughter

  WY United States

  Dear Mr Woodruff, This is about my grandson, he was a pro motor ceosser in Dallas Texas. On april11.2008 my daughter call me to let me know that ... Read More

• Viking Educational Foundation Returning Disabled Service Members

  CA United States

  Viking educational foundation is looking to contact Bob Woodruff. We give service dogs to our disabled wounded warriors. We are looking for publi... Read More

• Ssg Lem Genovese / Retired Ssg / E6

  CO United States

  After performing on behalf of vn vets from 1975 to 1986 nationwide, 1st avn bde alumni tunesmith lem genovese chose to renew his commitment to the... Read More

• Michelle Landay Military Rank

  CA

  My son suffered severe traumatic brain injury when his humvee was struck by an IED in may of 2006. Thanks to advances in medicine, unwavering fait... Read More

• K. Covington Military Rank

  SC

  I just want to encourage you in your endeavor to promote progressive quality care for the traumatic brain injured veterans and those dealing with t... Read More

• Atlanta, Ga Military Rank

  GA

  Thanks to our heroic troops. Read More

• Kristen Military Rank

  CA

  My husband returned from iraq just five days ago and I already see a difference in his personality. He is reluctant to reach out for help. Thank y... Read More

• Dan Hill Private

  NJ

  My uncle served in the marine corps and was diagnosed with ms while he was there. The doctors said it was subject to post traumatic stress. Read More