Gary Sinise FoundationGary Sinise Foundation

Severely Wounded Hero

Brandon Dodson

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. (Ret.)

While on patrol in Afghanistan, Brandon stepped on a hidden pressure plated improvised explosive device (IED). He lost both of his legs above the knees.

Brandon Dodson After Explosion

He Proudly Followed His Father’s Footsteps

At the age of 18, two years after the attacks on September 11, 2001, Brandon followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the United States Marine Corps. He served through five combat deployments, held a high-ranking position, and achieved many great accomplishments with his platoon all while keeping their safety his top priority.

His First Instinct Was to Take Care of His Men

On August 9, 2014 during his fifth deployment, Brandon and his platoon were on a mission in a small village when he stepped on a hidden pressure plated improvised explosive device (IED). Brandon remembers opening his eyes to chaos around him. His first instinct was to take care of his men, until he realized he was the one in need of care. Brandon suffered severe injuries from the blast. Both of his legs were amputated above the knee.

Far From Home for Two Long Years

Brandon spent months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he underwent many surgeries. For his bravery in the line of duty, he received the Purple Heart, the Navy Achievement medal and the Combat Action ribbon. For two years, he lived in a small apartment at Walter Reed, far from family in San Diego, until he medically retired in 2016. His goal was always to return to California so he could reclaim his independence near his loved ones.

They Have Never Let Me Down

The Gary Sinise Foundation is honored to have built Brandon a specially adapted smart home in California, where he resides today.

“The Gary Sinise Foundation is the best around. From the people they employ to the results they get, and everything in between. I love GSF for what they stand for and what results they actually produce. They have never let me down.”

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