SSG. John Borders

I am a SSG (E-6) who Joined the Army Reserves in 1990 and came on Active duty in 1993. I am an 13 B, Field Artillery gun chief stationed on Fort Riley, KS. My unit is B. Btry. 4-1 FA.

I was hit by an IED on the 5th of January in Taji, Iraq while on our unit's final patrol before we were to redeploy back to the states. I sustained multiple blast injuries to include crush injuries to both legs and my left arm, contusions to my lungs, a lacerated liver, a broken C-7 vertebrae in my neck, and multiple shrapnel injuries and burns.

I ended up losing my right leg below the knee after the surgeons attempted to save it for 6 weeks. I was in an external fixator on my left leg for 10 1/2 months and was an inpatient at WRAMC for almost 5 months. I know I wouldn't have lived if it weren't for my wife and kids.

Operation Second Chance (specifically, Cindy McGrew) helped me to stand up for the first time (I love my NB shoes), helped me rehab my fingers (love that PSP), and made life more bearable for my wife and kids. Your help has been an invaluable part of my rehab. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I love you and all you do.