Koree Ritter

Andrew Pike grew up and graduated from high school in southern Idaho. After completing high school in 2004 he enlisted into the United Stated Army as an Airborne Infantry Soldier. He completed his basic training and Airborne School while stationed in Ft. Benning, Georgia. One finished with his initial training he was stationed with the 82^nd Airborne Division. Charlie Company, 1/505 Parachute Infantry Regiment was his new home.

His unit trained and prepared for a deployment over the next year and a half and was deployed to Bayji, Iraq in August of 2006. While there his unit conducted daily foot and vehicle mounted patrols, worked counter ambush/IED missions, and helped work with the local community to see where we could help improve things.

On March 26, 2007 everything changed in a matter of seconds. While on a routine foot patrol Andrew was shot by an enemy sniper. The round entered his left abdomen (destroying his left kidney and some small intestine) and exited his back. Upon exiting the shockwave from the round destroyed his spinal cord leaving him paralyzed from the mid chest down. Luckily, Andrew was blessed with an Army surgeon physically being on patrol with them that ultimately made life saving decisions that were the reason he is here today.

Since then, Andrew has completed all sorts of rehabilitation and training with the VA to reintegrate back into life. He has beautiful daughters and an amazing wife. He enjoys the outdoors in all aspects of hunting and fishing. He also enjoys beekeeping and is working towards starting a business related around that. Additionally, he is an emerging athlete for the US Paralympic Archery Team and is preparing for the 2019 Worlds event and the 2020 Paralympic games in Tokyo. He still celebrates that day in March as a remembrance of the second chance that he has been given that so many were not granted.

Adam Kisielewski grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following the 9/11 attacks, Adam expedited his high school graduation and joined the US Marine Corps in early 2002. 

After completing his training, he was stationed in Washington, D.C. where he provided security for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Chief of Naval Operations, and other senior officers. During this time, Adam was hand selected to serve on the presidential security detail at Camp David where he protected the 43^rd President of the United States, the first family and other visiting dignitaries. 

After completing his tour at the presidential retreat, Adam rejoined the infantry and was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 2^nd Marines. In 2005, he deployed to Iraq as an infantry squad leader. Just over a month into his deployment, Adam was severely injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) while breaching a door in a building known for hostile encounters. 

Adam’s wounds required the amputation of his left arm and his right leg. His left leg was also badly damaged in the blast and required several months of continuous surgeries. After 14 months of recovery, Adam retired from the Marines as a Sergeant. 

For the first 3 years following his military retirement, Adam worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense managing Congressionally funded projects. He also spent much of his free time volunteering with nonprofit organizations. In 2010, Adam left his contracting position to work full-time as a nonprofit executive. 

Adam has a bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University where he graduated with highest honors. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Georgetown University and will graduate later this year. 

Adam is an avid supporter of the organizations that helped him and his family during his recovery. He proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Homes for Our Troops and is a pilot and ambassador for the Veterans Airlift Command. He also sits on the advisory board for Able Flight. 

In his free time, Adam enjoys riding his custom-built Harley Davidson with the Battlefield Chapter of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club. He also enjoys aviation, outdoor activities and traveling. He lives in Maryland with his wife Carrie and son Evan.