“If there is a challenge in life, it just means there is a victory waiting to happen.”
In 1996 while serving as a trainer of Special Operations marines, Marine Sgt. David Brannon fell from a repelling tower rupturing 4 discs in his back. He gave his best in rehab and returned to active duty with the first marine division for 8 years of fast paced work resulting in severe degenerative disc disease with which he still struggles today. His treatment led to 3 failed operations and permanent rib damage up and down the left side of his body.
The prescribed medications for pain turned into addiction exacerbating his nightmares from PTSD. Sgt Brannon was walking one of life’s tight ropes and metaphorically fell again. This time losing his home and 18 year marriage.
Fast forward 3 and a half years and Sgt. Brannon, still struggling but surviving, found himself in Lakeside, CA trying to rebuild his life. He sought help for his addiction and today is 4 years clean and sober.
Sgt. Brannon goes for a spinal epidural treatment for his injuries every three months at the VA.
One day when he went for treatment he met another vet, Anne Marie. He told her of his struggles, including the loss of his housing and his philosophy that helps him get through it all. “If there is a challenge in life, it just means there is a victory waiting to happen.”
"Have you ever heard of Habitat for Humanity," she asked. He perked up. Remembering he had seen the groundbreaking for a habitat development in Lakeside earlier. He remembers saying to himself, “ I’m going to get one,” though in the back of his mind he was sure he didn’t qualify.
Anne Marie, turns out, is the manager of veteran services for Habitat for Humanity in San Diego. She was looking for qualified veterans for those homes!. They worked together over the past year or so. For a stretch he heard nothing and thought it wouldn’t happen. He also learned that should he get selected for the home he’ll need more money for the down payment which he didn’t have. Amidst this all, Sgt. Brannon’s father, also a marine, passed away.
Staying strong, he worked with the San Diego Financial Literacy Center and was awarded the “Boost for Heroes” award which came with a prize for $3,000, enough for his down payment. Soon after, he got the call that he and his sons were selected to live in the Lakeside home. On Veteran's Day we met David and his son. He was volunteering with many others on our crew installing solar power on what will be his new home along with three other wounded veterans.
“I’m humbled and all I want to do now is enjoy my new home and my family and pay it forward, ” he said. Challenges turn to victory!
Tremendous power can be had when we join our energy with that of others. Medically disabled staff sergeant David Brannon (a 3rd generation “jarhead”) who served our country for 16 and a half years is living proof.