Over the three months of the ‘My Perfect Union’ contest we received over 240 incredible submissions filled with stories of bravery and honor. As we read each and every one we were at times both humbled, and uplifted. It wasn’t uncommon to find a coworker trying to hold back tears as we read the stories of courage and perseverance. It was hard to imagine how anyone could choose just one winner.
The field was narrowed to six amazing members of our Armed Forces. Their ranks included men from all walks of life: from a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, to more than one Wounded Warrior. They are just average people; your friends and neighbors. Ordinary people, who do extraordinary things every day. It was an honor for all of us just to read the nominations. But there could only be one winner, and this winner is incredibly deserving of not only the prize, but of our immense gratitude.
Michael Brewer is currently an active duty Army Wounded Warrior and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was wounded while, when deployed in Afghanistan, the convoy he was leading was ambushed by insurgents. The truck he was in was hit by an IED and two RPG’s, one of which exploded inches from his body. Throughout all of the chaos, and despite his severe injuries, he managed to keep driving. He knew that if he succumbed to his wounds that many lives would be lost, so he struggled on through a blinding haze of smoke, not stopping until every man was safely outside the kill zone.
Michael saved every soldier in that convoy through his courage and determination. His injuries, unfortunately, were severe and he has undergone 11 surgeries on his face and hands to date. However, he hasn’t let his physical limitations stop him from being a devoted soldier, and an extraordinary man. Just months after he returned home, he learned that a friend and fellow soldier had been killed in the same area where he was ambushed. Michael didn’t hesitate. Even though he was still recovering from several operations, he insisted on being the one to welcome his fallen comrade home and escort him to his final resting place.
Today, Michael Brewer is still struggling to recover. And his wife Jill has been there every step of the way; always encouraging, becoming his primary caregiver, and driving him an hour outside of town for his appointments 3-5 days a week, every week. It is said that behind every great man, is a great woman, and Jill is a great woman. Michael still has a long road to recovery, but with Jill’s help and constant love, he’s sure to make it. They are, “The Perfect Union”, and so deserving of this ring and our humble and sincere gratitude. Thank you to Michael Brewer, and to all who submitted their stories. The word “Hero” has now been defined over 240 new ways.
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