BY SUSAN EVANS
EBENSBURG — It was his second tour of duty in Iraq, and as a sergeant, Bryan Anderson was busy training military police.
But in October 2003, he was injured by an explosive device that resulted in the loss of both legs and his left hand.
Today, at age 28, he is one of the few triple amputees to survive injuries in Iraq. Anderson travels the country to tell his story and spread his message of hope and perseverance.
This week, he is in Ebensburg as the guest of honor at the opening of Laurel Medical Supplies’ new location in the borough.
During an interview Thursday, Anderson talked of the importance of hope and encouragement, cracked a few jokes, and even showed off a bit as he dismounted his wheelchair with the fancy moves of a gymnast.
“As for the war, I don’t pay much attention to what’s going on over there now. That part of my life is over,” he said.
“War is war, and I can understand a lot of situations. There are going to be casualties on both sides, but I can’t let things get the best of me,” he said.
A good-looking young man with blue eyes, a stylish haircut and military tattoos, Anderson is not shy about his message of determination.
“One reason I‘m here is to remind employees at places like this that what they do is important. A lot don’t see the result of the custom equipment they make, so here I am,” he said.
“I want to help inspire people.”
Anderson was fitted with equipment at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he said medical professionals did the best possible job for his situation.
He was able to choose among different types of hands, like one for swinging, one mechanical, and others. “They’ll ask what kind of activities you enjoy, and then they will customize what you need,” he said.
A native of Chicago, Anderson is a former gymnast with an identical twin brother, a sister, a mother and stepfather.
“My twin was devastated over my injury, until now that he sees what I’m doing,” Anderson said.
Anderson challenges his limits. He snowboards, whitewater rafts and rock climbs, while traveling and meeting new people.
He has made many guest appearances and has been featured in national media. He is the national spokesperson for Quantum Rehab and for Pride Mobility Products Corp., a manufacturer of scooters, power lift chairs and other specialized equipment in Exeter, Luzerne County.
He also is a spokesman for USA Cares, a nonprofit organization based in Kentucky that assists post-9/11 veterans.
Anderson’s story will be featured in a future “Captain America” comic book.
“I’m always traveling and always busy,” he said.
His advice to worried mothers as they send their sons to war?
“When it’s your time, it’s your time. I’ve lived and seen a lot different things. Sometimes weapons miss a target and hit someone else. It’s really just random,” he said.
For Anderson, it’s not the injury, but how it is handled.
“I try to encourage everyone. It’s not about the issue, but about how you overcome it,” he said.
John Letizia, president of Laurel Medical Supplies, said he met Anderson at a Pride event in eastern Pennsylvania and was impressed with his energy and enthusiasm.
“I wanted him to be in Ebensburg for our opening, so I planned it around his schedule,” Letizia said.
Laurel Medical Supplies is on West Street in Ebensburg, occupying a new building with plenty of storage and workrooms. The company provides high-end, custom-made medical equipment, including such items as pediatric strollers and driving equipment.
Anderson’s message to physical therapists, physicians and community leaders at the opening is the importance of “taking the opportunities that come your way.”
