Army SSG Michael Brown

Scotch Plains, NJ

Inspired to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, Michael Brown enlisted in the Army in 2001.

On October 15, 2009, during his third combat deployment, Staff Sergeant Brown was serving as an Infantry squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in Afghanistan, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) resulting in the loss of his right leg above the knee.

Airlifted to Kandahar, and then transported to Landstuhl, Germany, Mike received blood transfusions and additional surgeries before returning stateside to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he spent eight months receiving extensive rehabilitation therapy. He returned to active duty and worked for the Department of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) before his retirement in 2021.

Mike now stays active working for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and caring for his dog, Toby. Mike’s current non-adapted apartment is on the fifth floor, with narrow doorways and hallways that make moving throughout the house difficult when he uses his wheelchair.

A specially adapted custom HFOT home with a single-level layout and concrete walkways around the entire home will allow easy access to the backyard and garage. “Having direct access to being outside will help when I need to walk my dog and make getting to my vehicle much easier,” he says.

Originally from New York, Mike is choosing to build his home in New Jersey to be close to his family.

Mike would like to thank HFOT donors and supporters for everything they have done for the Veteran community. “I would like them to know that I promise to make the most of this opportunity, and I will do my best to represent HFOT in a professional and honorable manner.”

Donate to this Veteran’s Project