From One Purple Heart To Another

All Bryan Anderson wants for the loss of his limbs, is a house for his friend that works.

Tony and Joedi live in paradise, but their home has become anything but a relaxing, or safe, place to be. Window frames are rotting through. Stairs are falling apart. The septic tank has collapsed one too many times. But it is still a home to SSG Tony Wood, his wife Joedi, and twelve beautiful kids. The house is not the only thing that has been damaged. Tony is a Purple Heart recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom 2005.
Now back to the twelve children. Two of their children are biological. The other ten are fostered or adopted. Tony and Joedi live in Hawaii and have been fostering children since 1987. Married for twenty-six years, it seems a key to their lasting marriage has been the common goal of giving to others who did not have a home to call their own. Joedi's full time position is as a mother to all.

Two months after Tony was injured in Iraq, another member of his team - and his best friend  - Bryan Anderson was seriously injured when the Humvee he was driving rolled over an IED. The explosion severed off both of his legs, his left arm, and parts of his right hand. It was Tony's face he saw when he opened his eyes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It is Tony's family he would like to help by creating a coalition to rebuild the Wood family home.

 
Bryan says, "If anything good can come out of all of this, there's only one thing I wish could happen. I want Tony to have a home that he deserves." As a triple amputee, Bryan now travels the country in support of various charities, a most personal one being The Gary Sinise Foundation.

Bryan and Our Daughter EmmaUpon relocating to California this month, Bryan stayed with our family in Santa Clarita until his new apartment was ready. His passion for wanting to help the Wood family was contagious and we immediately began brainstorming. I called my friend JD Kennedy (former head of Veterans Affairs for our district's congressional office) - who was just 18 days away from Election Day- and by the next day we were in our living room along with Jeri Goldman of Santa Clarita Valley's KHTS Hometown Station and SCV Habitat For Heroes, and the Wood family home reconstruction project was born.

A MESSAGE FROM BRYAN

When I first met Tony, he had just re-classed as an MP from Infantry. I love meeting new people and like to think I have a pretty good judge of character. Not only was Tony one of “the good guys”, his sense of humor was razor-sharp. He was the kind of leader that had you laughing your ass of one minute, and ready to lead his team in a hot-second. He was the ultimate egalitarian that made everyone around him feel like they all mattered the same, but always functioned as a leader the guys respected. Being around Tony helped me reconstruct the harsh reality of being in a war zone, to being in a foreign country with my best friends, and with every move I made their lives were on the line. Tony gradually became a brother. Even though we were in the seeds of hell, his positive outlook and comedic timing made being in hell a lot more palatable.

Hearing about Tony’s incident was absolutely devastating. I don’t think anyone is actually prepared for that kind of news. As weeks dragged on, it was increasingly difficult to get any update from the states on his status. All we knew was that he survived and the prognosis was that he was going to “make it”.

Two months later, I was hit, and ended up at Walter Reed. Although my family was beside me, I had never felt so alone and isolated from my brothers. I had all sorts of feelings, like I took the easy way out because I didn't have to be in Iraq anymore. I felt guilty. All I wanted was information about my unit. I needed to connect with them, be a part of them if even on the telephone. Then one day I opened my eyes from my bed and Tony was standing there. It was Tony, man. Right there. And I just teared up. I was so happy to see him that suddenly I knew I would make it through whatever was ahead of me.

For the next few months we pulled one another through our healing process. Every day I knew he’d be there and it would be one more day that the world would be okay. Then, before I knew it, he was gone.

So much has happened since our days at Reed. We have both led busy lives, my work kept me traveling around the country on speaking tours and supporting different veteran charities, and Tony lived all the way in Hawaii, so it was tough seeing each other. Then one day I booked a job in Hawaii. The first thing on my list was to see Tony.

Seeing Tony was like no time had passed. The army does that to you. You have brothers for life. When I saw his house though, man, it was tough. There he was with a great wife and all these children – they have an awesome family. So much going on all the time. But I couldn’t help but see the structural condition their house was in. A military income is not that great, especially with twelve kids. Tony took pride in telling me about how whenever something goes wrong he figures it out, or his church comes together like the time their septic tank blew out. It seemed to me the only down-time Tony ever had was spent trying to keep his house from falling apart.

Through my travels and work with foundations, I've been able to help raise money for veterans for just about everything - including housing.  Most soldiers that receive houses are amputees, but in my opinion, even though tony is not missing any limbs, he is the true definition of what a soldier should be, in and out of the war zone. Tony deserves this, but not just because he was injured, but because he is one of the guys that never asks for anything. All he does is give. He gives to everyone around him. He gave in Iraq and he hasn’t stopped since.

With everything that has happened to me, losing three limbs and all, if any good can come out of this, this is the only thing I’d wish for. If I am in a position to make a difference in the life of my friend – a true American hero, it’s my hope to see other good people come together with me to make this dream of mine come true.

Bryan Anderson

If you are a company or individual who would like to contribute to the Wood Family Reconstruction Project please contact:

Micaela Bensko

MoanaVida@gmail.com

Bryan enlisted in the Army in April 2001 and had a ‘ship out’ date of September 11, 2001. He
served two tours of duty in Iraq and was stationed in the Baghdad area. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police (MP), conducted police training courses in Iraq and gained
additional law enforcement experience at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary as a prison guard.

In October 2005, Bryan was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that resulted in the
loss of both legs and his left hand. As a result of his injuries, he was awarded a Purple Heart.
Bryan received rehabilitation for a period of 13 months at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He is one
of the few triple amputees to have survived his injuries in Iraq.

Bryan is the National Spokesman for Quantum Rehab, a division of Pride Mobility Corp., and

travels the country making numerous personal appearances while delivering his message of perseverance and determination in major rehab facilities. In addition, he is a spokesman for
USA Cares, a non-profit organization based in Radcliff, KY that is focused on assisting post
911 veterans in times of need.

Battle Saints

The Saints

My favorite bracelet is The Battle Saint™ bracelet. I came across it a few years ago while watching a news segment. I do not benefit in any way by sales of this beautiful item. I just love the product, and the philosophy of the family who started this company. I originally purchaed it for the love of our military and in prayer for the trials our wounded face. Over time, the bracelet has become a token of strength in our family, passed from person to person during a time of challenge. I passed it to my daughter when she left for college. She passed it back to me when my health challenge progressed. The bracelet was uniquely developed to incorporate specific saints relevant to our military, and the love continues.. $1 from every bracelet goes to The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Below is information on the saints included on the bracelet.

St Barbara – included on all bracelets

St Barbara is known as the patron saint of artillerymen, military engineers and those who work with explosives.  She lived in the 4th century and was raised as a heathen.  Forced into solitude by her father, Dioscorus, she turned to Christianity.  An infuriated Dioscorus condemned her and she was severely punished.  She was ultimately beheaded by Dioscorus himself, after which he was struck and killed by lightening.

Padre Pio – included on large bracelets

St Pio of Pietrelcina was known as a symbol of hope to people in the aftermath of WW1.  He was born in Pietrelcina, Italy, on May 25, 1887 and died September 23, 1968 at the age of 81.  He is also known as Saint Padre Pio.  Even though he lived into his 80’s, he was afflicted by several illnesses which began in childhood.  Despite his health issues, he was drafted into the army but was eventually released due to his poor health.  He was known for stigmata – wounds and bleeding similar to those experienced by Jesus at the crucifixion.

St Michael, the Archangel – included on all bracelets

St Michael the Archangel is known as the patron saint of the Armed Forces especially fighter pilots and paratroopers.  He is known as the angel warrior leading the forces of Heaven against Satan.  He is often shown slaying a dragon.  He is also known as the protector of the Jewish people.

St Anthony of Padua – included on all bracelets

Saint Anthony is the patron saint for amputees, travelers and sailors. Although he lived and worked in Italy, he was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 to a wealthy family.  He was known as a gifted speaker and for his clear and simple teachings.  He joined the Franciscan order after the bodies of 5 tortured and headless Franciscans preaching in Morocco were brought to his monastery on their way home for burial.   He died in 1231 at the age of 36.

St. Martin of Tours – included on all bracelets

St. Martin is known as the patron saint of soldiers, chaplains, quartermasters and the cavalry.  He was born in 315 or 316 in Pannonia, a Roman province that is now part of Hungary. His father was an army officer and, following the requirement that sons of military veterans must serve, he joined the army at age 15.  He was released at 18 and devoted himself to Christianity.  He was known for his efforts to free prisoners and spare them torture.  Although the exact date of his death is unknown, he lived into his 80s and died somewhere between 395 and 402.

St John of Capistrano – included on all bracelets

Born on June 24, 1386, in Italy , St John of Capistrono was a Franciscan priest and is known as the patron saint of military chaplains. He took his name from his place of birth, the village of Capestrano.  When the Turks were threatening Vienna and Rome, St John of Capistrano, at the age of 70, inspired troops to fight and drive back the Turks.  He died on October 23, 1456.

The Battle Saint™ logo – included on all bracelets

This logo ensures you are wearing an original Battle Saint™ bracelet and represents our commitment to the armed forces by donating a portion of every bracelet sale to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

St Christopher – included on all bracelets

St Christopher is known as the patron saint of traveling, especially long journeys. He was hailed as a martyr and killed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius (249-251).  It is said that while crossing a river, St Christopher offered to carry a child on his shoulders.  The child was extremely heavy and was said to be Jesus carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.  St Christopher was among the saints removed, for lack of proof, from the Church’s universal calendar after the 1969 reform. Nonetheless, he remains popular.

St Philip Neri – included on all bracelets

Born in Florence in 1515, St Philip Neri is known as the patron saint of the Special Forces.  He was renowned for his sharp wit, humor and spontaneous behavior.  The meetings he held to provide spiritual guidance to young men became so popular that a room called the “Oratory” was built for these gatherings.  Eventually, St Philip Neri decided that the group should have its own Church and formed the Congregation of the Oratory. He died in 1595 at the age of eighty.

Joan of Arc – included on all bracelets

Joan of Arc was born on January 6, 1412, to peasants Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romee in Greux-Domremy, Lorraine, France .  At the time, England controlled much of modern day France .  Joan of Arc received visions from God to recover her homeland from England and return the true King, Charles V11, to his throne.  She led the French army in many battles and Charles regained his throne.  However, she was eventually captured by the Burgundians. She was sold to England , tried by an ecclesiastical court and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431 in Rouen, France, at the age of nineteen. She is the patron saint of soldiers, prisoners and the Women’s Army Corps.

St Nicholas of Myra – included on medium and large bracelets

St Nicholas of Myra was born in 270 AD in the Greek colony of Patara, Lycia, in modern-day Turkey .  His wealthy parents died at an early age and he was raised by an uncle.  Fervently religious from an early age, he was known for secret gift-giving and his generous nature.  One legend tells of a butcher who slaughtered his three children during a famine with plans to sell them as ham, but St Nicholas resurrected the children.  He is the patron saint of numerous groups, including children (for everyone with children serving in the military), sailors and travelers.  And, who doesn’t love St Nicholas? He died of natural causes on December 6, 346 AD in Myra, Lycia.

St Joseph of Cupertino – included on all bracelets

Born in 1603 to a poor family in the village of Cupertino in Italy , St Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of aviators and paratroopers.  He was known to levitate and became known as the “Flying Saint.” He was also known for the gift of healing.  He died in 1663 in Ossimo, Italy .

Gabriel, the Archangel – included on medium and large bracelets

St Gabriel, the Archangel is the patron saint of communication workers.  Gabriel is known for his prophesies, appearing to Daniel in the Old Testament and to Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist.  He also announced to Mary that she would bear a son conceived of the Holy Spirit.

St Luke – included on all bracelets

St Luke is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.  It is believed he was born a Greek and a Gentile.  In one account, he is rumored to have been a slave, since families were known to train their slaves as physicians so they would have someone to care for them.  In Luke, we hear of the poor, social injustice and about the prodigal son being welcomed back home.  Closely associated with Paul, not a lot is known about Luke after Paul’s death.  Some accounts indicate he was martyred; others tell of him having a long life.

St Sebastian – included on all bracelets

St Sebastain is known as the patron saint of archers, athletes and soldiers and is known as the protector against plagues.  He was born in Narbonne, Gaul, and joined the Roman army around 283.  He was a Captain in the praetorian guards under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, and was ordered executed during the persecution of Christians.  Shot by arrows and left for dead, he miraculously survived.  It is no surprise that he is known for his physical fortitude.  After his recovery, he denounced the Emperor for his cruelty to Christians and was ordered beaten to death.

St George – included on all large bracelets

It is believed that St George was born to a Christian family in Lydda, Palestine, sometime between 275 AD and 285 AD.  His father was a respected Roman army official and St George followed in his footsteps.  He would become part of the Imperial Guard and is often depicted slaying a dragon. (It was said he was rescuing a beautiful woman, with the dragon representing wickedness and the woman representing God’s holy truth.)  When Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians, St George announced his Christianity and condemned the Emperor’s edict.  The Emperor offered land and money to St George if he would denounce his Christianity, but St George refused.  He was ordered tortured and eventually beheaded in 303.  He became a legend after his death for his courage and unwavering faith.  Soldiers, in particular, are known to be devoted to St George.