SSG Benjamin Breckheimer

Port Charlotte, FL

Home Award Program Recipient

Army SSG Benjamin Breckheimer deployed to Iraq as a medical specialist and to Afghanistan as a Cavalry Scout with 8-1 CAV, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. On September 13, 2009, while driving on a mission near Spin Boldak, Sergeant Breckheimer’s vehicle hit a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED) which immediately caused traumatic injuries to his lower extremities.

Extracted from the driver’s compartment of the Stryker vehicle, his medic and platoon immediately jumped into action to perform life and limb saving medical care. He was then medically evacuated to Kandahar Airfield to receive immediate surgical care. He was evacuated to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany prior to arriving at San Antonio Military Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

His injuries included a concussion, perforated eardrum, multiple vertebrae fractures, pelvic fracture, fractures to both his left and right femurs, foot and ankle fractures, and a partially severed lower right leg that doctors eventually saved through limb salvage.

Benjamin was medically retired in August of 2013. He likes to stay extremely active and enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountaineering/alpine climbing and snowboarding. He also enjoys playing golf and reading. He is an avid mountaineer; and one of his more lofty goals includes climbing the Seven Summits–the highest mountain peaks of each of the seven continents. He also hopes to build his own organization to help raise money for Children’s Leukemia Research, and would like to complete his degree in nursing.