First, Brendan Marrocco survived, just that was miraculous, now he is not only adapting and overcoming his circumstances, but succeeding better than others before him. Marrocco epitomizes determination. An indomitable spirit, he is willfully pushing himself toward renewed independence. The New York Times published his story over the holiday weekend and reading it affected me but that’s not why I’m sharing it.

Inspiring for many reasons my point here is to emphasize what our soldiers survive. Aside from his loss of limbs, note the blood loss and how quickly Specialist Marrocco was transported to world class surgical care. The now 23-year old is among nearly a thousand service members who have lost limbs in combat since the wars began in 2001. Traumatic brain injuries have also surged due to the terrible consequences of explosions. In past wars, these soldiers would’ve died but now they must prepare for a different future and reattain quality of life.

Today survivors rehabilitate, leave the military, regain their independence and begin new lives working or going to school. BuilderFish will serve them as an approved builder with the Veterans Administration (VA), designing, modifying and constructing accommodating features to help our veterans adapt, overcome and attain their wants, need and dreams.