Ryan’s unit was on foot patrol in Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device was detonated within two feet of where Ryan stood. There were many casualties in his unit, but Ryan’s injuries were by far the worst: his right leg had already been amputated; he had severe injuries to his right pelvis, and burns to his left leg and arms; both of his arms were fractured; and there were other internal injuries and a probable traumatic brain injury (TBI), which could not be assessed until he came out of the coma.

Within 24 hours of arrival in Landsthul, Germany, doctors had stabilized Ryan for transport to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. D.C. He was being treated for multiple infections and nobody knew if Ryan would survive. Once Ryan woke up from his coma, he was so weak he wasn’t even able to lift his head off of the pillow. He couldn’t move any of his fingers. He could only blink his eyes and turn his head slightly to the left and right.

Major was then admitted to NRH on January 31, 2007 for extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy. He returned to his home on August 17, 2007. Ryan’s primary reason for transferring to NRH was for rehabilitation and their experience with TBI patients. Therapy began even before Ryan could leave his bed.

Ryan continuously challenges himself. In the year following his accident, he completed three races using a hand crank bike: the Hope and Possibility 5K Run, the Army 10 Miler, and the New York Marathon. Ryan planned to attend college and major in business administration. Ryan and two grade school friends started a business, Major Scanning Business Solutions, which provides corporate document management. Ryan Major carries himself as he always has—as a proud U.S. soldier and a true American hero.