Shane Parsons was barely 16 years old on 9/11, but he knew then and there he would join the military to defend his country. Right after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army.
Deployed to Iraq, Shane completed mission after mission in combat zones.
Being an only child, he felt an instant connection with the brotherhood of military life. Shane often volunteered to go out on missions in the lead position. Driving in warzones meant navigating regions littered with hidden roadside bombs. The lead driver is the most dangerous position, guiding the convoy through danger at every turn.
Shane repeatedly volunteered to serve at the front of his convoy.
On September 30, 2006, Shane was off-duty when he once again volunteered to replace his friend’s position as lead driver. While on this mission, tragically his vehicle drove over a hidden bomb.
Shane lost both of his legs above the knee. He suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him unable to read, write, or manage basic daily living skills. He couldn’t bathe, eat, or dress himself.
Enduring stressful surgeries and unending therapies, Shane eventually began to regain some of his abilities. Unfortunately, his current home presents constant obstacles.
“Right now I can’t get to the laundry room at all, and several other doorways in my house aren’t wide enough for my wheelchair. I’m getting older and rolling up a ramp is getting harder. I just want to contribute more to our daily life.”
To support our nation’s heroes and their families, please visit garysinisefoundation.org
