Corporal Bradford’s Story

Corporal Matthew Bradford USMC (Ret.) has always felt that his calling in life was to serve. As a high school senior he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and after completing boot camp at Parris Island he was swiftly assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, and deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq, in 2006. Just a few months later, his life would change forever.

Matthew was on a foot patrol when an improvised explosive device detonated beneath his feet. He was instantly blinded by the shrapnel, and when he woke up from a coma three weeks later, both of his legs had been amputated and he faced a long list of other critical injuries.

When Matthew returned to the U.S. to begin the slow journey toward recovery, he had a choice to make about how he would move forward with his life. And he chose Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

In the years since that dark day, Matthew became the first blind double amputee in history to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. He completed the Marine Corps Marathon – six times. And he went back to school, earning multiple degrees in Media Arts and History from the University of Kentucky.

Today, Matthew is a married father of three children – and at the Scholarship Foundation, we’re honoring his incredible service to our country by making sure his family has the resources they need to pursue every opportunity they’re given. Through our Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program for Children of the Wounded, we’re fully committed to supporting and giving back to Marine families like the Bradfords.

We had the opportunity to hear directly from Cpl Bradford at our annual Chicago Dinner for Children of the Severely Injured.

You can hear Cpl Bradford’s inspiring story of perseverance and learn more about his motto of #NoLegsNoVisionNoProblem here.

You can also follow Cpl Bradford’s journey on Twitter @bionikmatt5 and Facebook @MatthewBradford.

Thank you for always supporting our mission to Honor Marines by Educating Their Children.