HOMECOMING: Staff Sgt. Mike Minard enters his new home. Vilseck, Germany – On October 1st 2007 Staff Sgt. Mike Minard of 1st Squadron of the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment encountered a tragic incident that forever changed his life. Minard, who was on his third tour of duty In Iraq, was on patrol north of Sadr City in Baghdad when his Stryker was hit by a roadside bomb. The blast ripped through his vehicle and caused Minard to lose both his legs just above the knee.
Minard spent the next two years at Walter Reed Medical Center where he was in a coma for the first few months. After many surgical procedures to fight infection, Minard was finally fitted with a set of prosthetic legs. While recovering at Walter Reed, the 2d Cavalry Association joined forces with outstanding organizations such as Homes for Our Troops to make sure the 28 year-old Union Beach, New Jersey native, his wife and two children received a special gift in time for Christmas 2009.
Through a concentrated effort and many volunteer hours, Minard and his family returned to a completely rebuilt and specially adapted house to allow Minard to maneuver freely in his wheel chair. Association members and many volunteers from the community worked tirelessly to prepare the house for the family’s homecoming. This preparation included shoveling large amounts of snow which had accumulated during the harsh New Jersey winter.
On December 21st Minard and his family took possession of their new home, which had been lovingly decorated for the holidays. The keys were presented during a ceremony held to honor Mike and all the organizations and volunteers who made his home a reality.
The 2d Cavalry Association has continued in its efforts to help the Minard family. The Association raised $3,500 to help with their expenses and has established a fund to help the Minard’s pay off the mortgage on their home.
Mike is continuing his education and is currently working towards his degree. He will also be starting a job with a defense contractor headquartered in Ft. Dix. Minard will be training Soldiers, using his experience with Stryker vehicles, weapons and equipment.
