Aside from a few statements in this story about wounded in action (one of which she says 17,000 which is true but according to Iraq Coalition Casualties of that 17,000 wounded 9,400 returned to duty within 72 hours) it is a gritty tale of the struggle to come back after losing their legs in a bomb attack. The story is almost told from a first person account and will tear at your heartstrings. There’s the horrendous and heroic struggle of these two Soldiers and their families.

Inside the second-floor ballroom of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, a banner stretched above the dance floor: “Welcome Home 1-5 Bobcats — Operation Iraqi Freedom — We Are So Proud of Our Heroes!'’ Balloons floated above linen-draped tables decorated with orchids and miniature American flags.

Brent is greeted by soldiers from his battalion that he hasn’t seen since he lost his legs to an improvised explosive device in Iraq in December 2004. He flew up from his home in Arizona to the ball in Tacoma, Wash., last October. Chronicle photo by Deanne Fitzmaurice

At the battalion ball, Sgt. Michael Buyas got his first chance to talk at length with the soldiers who were with him when an improvised explosive device was detonated under their Stryker. “You were propped up on your elbows talking to me,” one told him. “Until I noticed your legs, I didn’t think you were hurt at all.” Chronicle photo by Deanne Fitzmaurice

As I said, aside from some of the bias it’s a good story that illustrates the difficult road these amputees have to navigate.

War without end / The Army gave Sgts. Michael Buyas and Brent Bretz direction and self-respect. After they were wounded, they fought a second war to rebuild their broken bodies and reconnect with their families

h/t Lucianne