SEAL FAMILY LEGACY’S 2023 GOLD STAR GALA FEATURED SPEAKER, BRYAN ANDERSON

Bryan currently resides in the Chicago area nearby his parents, Jim and Janet, identical twin brother Bob, and sister Briana. In addition to academic excellence, Bryan excelled in sports during his high school years and competed as an accomplished gymnast in state level competitions. Following graduation, he worked for American Airlines as a Ground Crew Chief at O’Hare airport.

Bryan enlisted in the Army in April 2001 and had a ‘ship out’ date of September 11, 2001. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and was stationed in the Baghdad area. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police (MP), conducted police training courses in Iraq and gained additional law enforcement experience at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary as a prison guard.

In October 2005, Bryan was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that resulted in the loss of both legs and his left hand. As a result of his injuries, he was awarded a Purple Heart. Bryan received rehabilitation for a period of 13 months at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He is one of the few triple amputees to have survived his injuries in Iraq.

Bryan’s story has received extensive media coverage including a cover story in USA Today, two feature articles in Esquire Magazine, as well as numerous articles in major newspapers and publications, from his hometown Chicago Sun Times to the LA Times and NY Times. He recently appeared in a 60 Minutes segment profiling Gary Sinese.

Bryan has appeared in the HBO Documentary, Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq, and in a CSI: NY episode titled DOA for a DAY as a murder suspect. He appeared in the Golden Globe Award winning film The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei and appeared in an episode of ‘Hawaii 5-0’.  Bryan was interviewed by MTV News ‘Choose or Lose Street Team’ and has appeared on the daytime drama ‘All My Children.’ He was the subject of the Captain America comic, ‘Theater of War – to soldier on,’ released in August 2009. Bryan has finished work on a book titled No Turning Back, released November 1, 2011, and most recently hosted a new PBS show in the Chicago area, Reporting for Service with Bryan Anderson, which received an Emmy Award. He also received a Telly Award for his work on a Quantum Rehab product video titled ‘Life Beyond Limits’.

Bryan is the national spokesman for Quantum Rehab, a division of Pride Mobility Corporation, and travels the country making numerous personal appearances while delivering his message of perseverance and determination in major rehab facilities. In addition, he is an Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation and is a spokesman for USA Cares, a national non-profit organization based in Radcliff, Ky., that is focused on assisting post 911 veterans in times of need. 

Bryan is an energetic and enthusiastic individual who enjoys challenging his limits. He snowboards, wake boards, white water rafts and rock climbs. He loves to travel and enjoys meeting new people.

For more information about Bryan, please visit his website. 

Join us for our Legacy Gala on July 14th at 5pm at Rhythym City Casino to honor Gold Star Families and the loved ones they lost.  A live and silent auction, and a fantastic meal and drinks will be offered, making for a great evening.