Throughout our Flags for Heroes campaign, we've had the privilege of learning about the incredible veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. These stories, filled with sacrifice and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of patriotism.
We’re honored to share the story of Ian, a remarkable individual whose courage, loyalty, and resilience embody the spirit of selfless service.
Story submitted by Jonathan Madonna: "Ian and I served together in Ramadi and Fallujah Iraq from Oct 2006-Apr 2008 when I got medivaced from the theater after being seriously wounded by an IED. Ian and I were part of A, Company 321st EN BN, Task Force Pathfinder from Boise, Idaho. We were tasked with finding and reducing IEDs and roadside bombs within the Anbar Province to make the roads safer for coalition forces. When I transferred to Alpha Company from a unit that was already in the country and rotating home I didn't know anyone and because of how familiar, close, and how long the unit was together it was extremely hard to make friends. Ian was one of the first people to welcome me with open arms and took me under his wing to get me acclimated and help develop me as a junior non-commissioned officer. Throughout our deployment, he and I experienced many dangerous and life-threatening events and we were injured by multiple IED blasts. He ended up suffering severe traumatic brain injury due to the aftereffects of IED blasts and had to be medically evacuated from the theater. He held out as long as his body was physically able and due to the consecutive concussions from blast injuries had permanently damaged his brain. Seeing him say goodbye to us as we headed out on a mission was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. But because of his selfless leadership and sincere concern for his peers and subordinates, I was able to lead my squad and protect them up until I was injured on April 13, 2007. When I arrived at Walter Reed Ian was one of the first faces I saw. He met me at the ambulance bay and gave me a huge hug. Over the next 6 months, Ian supported me, encouraged me, and physically helped me get to grueling physical therapy appointments multiple behavioral health episodes, and immense physical and emotional pain. After I returned to my home state of NY Ian continued to stay in contact with me and check in on me. He is one of the only reasons that I did not become one of the 22 veterans a day who die due to suicide despite multiple attempts. He continues to support disabled veterans through his Combat Vets Motorcycle Club as well as his philanthropic participation in the military order of the Purple Heart. Where he helps advocate for vets and assists them with VA disability claims and getting access to medical care. His CVMA also does final escort duties for veterans' funerals. He is the total embodiment of serving others with true friendship and a heart full of nothing but love. Please select him for this honor as he never seeks recognition for anything that he does and he's individually saved so many people's lives with his hard work and unending love!"
Thank you, Ian, for your honorable service, sacrifice, and dedication.