Captain Gregory Amira of Trinity, Florida, a Captain in the Army Reserves, was in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center on 9/11 when the first plane hit. He made it down the stairwell to the lobby, where he immediately started helping first responders with search and rescue. That day, he suffered debilitating back and neck trauma, including shards of shrapnel that pierced his body, as well as a brain injury.

Five years later, CPT Amira was called for deployment to Iraq, despite being permanently disabled since 9/11. He had two choices, deploy or resign, the latter of which was never an option.

CPT Amira completed over 150 combat patrols & 58 Blackhawk missions in Iraq. Just weeks before coming home, on January 26, 2007, his convoy was struck by three improvised explosive devices. Despite severe back and neck injuries, Amira pulled the bodies of several comrades from their wrecked vehicles. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery.

After years of recovery, he now focuses on giving back. Whether it’s helping his neighbor or working with wounded veterans’ associations, CPT Amira is there to help those in need.