Bradley Gruetzner

My name is SSG Bradley Gruetzner. I am from Fort Hood, Texas 1st CAV. I deployed in October 2006 for my second tour to Iraq. I was a Scout. On 15 NOV we were out on a routine patrol. On our way back to camp my truck hit an I.E.D. and 3 out of the 5 were killed instantly. My gunner and I were the only survivors. At first they had me listed as K.I.A. (Killed in Action) I was transfered to the Army Medical Center in the states on the 18 NOV where I was in a coma for 6 weeks.

The extent of my injuries are a Traumatic Brain Injury where I had to be sent to Neurological Rehab for 2 months; burns on my leg, arms, chest, face and head. My right hand and 4 inches of my right arm had to be amputated from the burns. The open stomach wound is due to the doctors being unable to close my stomach because of the shrapnel. I now have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and cannot sit still for a minute. I also have multiple broken bones from my ribs, face, shoulder, and I remain in medical care, away from home, at this time.

Life is so different now and I worry constantly. I am always thinking "what will I do now?". I loved my job and would do it all over again if I could. Being a soldier is all I know how to be. I've been in the ARMY for 5 years. It's my life. My wife has been with me every step of the way and has had to quit her job to care for me. This has cause us financial strain. Although I am looking foward to being able to spend more time with my daughter. We just need a little bit of help until we can get back home and my wife can start working again. We are looking foward to transitioning into a "normal" life.

Thank you. - SSG Gruetzner, Bradley