Brian Kolfage. Image from briankolfage.com
Brian Kolfage is a man, like many around the world. But at the same time, Brian Kolfage is more than that. He is an inspiration to people around the world. Brian Kolfage served two deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On September 11th 2004, his base was hit by a rocket attack. The rocket shell that hit about three feet from him took with it his legs and part of his right arm.
During the whole ordeal his comrades have said that Senior Airman Kolfage presented himself with distinction by not panicking. To this day, Brian Kolfage holds the title of most injured airman in a war zone. A title that he might not have wanted, but one that has lead him to do great things.
After the attack on his base, Brian Kolfage made a recovery that surprised his doctors and he was walking again on artificial legs. Not only did he learn to walk but he learned to be proficient with his new limbs. He did this through dedication, and physical therapy. His family and doctors reported that each day he saw better strength and balance.
In less than a year, Brian Kolfage was discharged from Walter Reed. And he wasn’t pushed out in a wheelchair, he walked out.
Instead of leaving the Air Force after his injury, Brian Kolfage wanted to continue his service. After telling the US Air Force that he wanted to continue on, he was assigned to be the Base Security Manager at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. A position that he brought his dedication and positive energy to.
But that isn’t where he stopped. He worked with Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford on the Veterans Advisory Committee that she had started. The insight he provided has worked to help veterans around the country.
If all of this wasn’t enough, Brian Kolfage went to University of Arizona’s School of Architecture to seek a degree. Because of Brian’s service and commitment to other veterans he received the Pat Tillman Scholar Award. Despite the obstacles in his way, Brian Kolfage pushed himself to the top of his class.
Now, in addition to everything he has done, he continues to be an American Hero. He visits Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he sent most of his time receiving treatment. But his visits aren’t to receive further treatment. It is to speak with veterans who have been injured. He helps them to see a new future for themselves and give them the positivity that they need to make it out of the hospital.
In 2014, Brian Kolfage was presented with the George C. Lang Award for Courage. The highest wounded warrior award possible. The award was given for his self-less nature and his fearlessness during his service and after.
Brian Kolfage, while not available at the moment, uses his time to be a motivational speaker. One that goes out and inspires not just soldiers but Americans around the country and even around the world.
One such life that he touched is that of Air Force veteran ChandeePressnall. Pressnall read about Brian Kolfage and found information on him through the internet. His story or surviving and living after having lost three limbs inspired her. She took that story and used it to inspire her to start a new career. One in which she works with veterans who are burn victims and/or amputees. She has now has a degree in Health and Exercise Science and working to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Think about that for a moment. He touched just one life like that. That one life will go on to have a positive impact on many other lives in the world. Pressnall is just one of many. One can say confidently that the world is a better place for having Brian Kolfage in it. And it will continue to get better as he spreads his positivity. Senior Airman Brian Kolfage is not just an inspiration to those he meets. He is the true embodiment of an American Warrior. He displays courage, humility, compassion, and much more. Every day he lives, he inspires people to be better than they are, to do better, and to be healthy. He shows us that nothing is truly impossible.
Baloydi Lloydi is the content manager of Asknoypi.