Military service spanned generations in Eddie's family, with his father serving in the Air Force and his grandfather serving in the Army during WWII. It was no surprise that Eddie would follow in their footsteps. He called joining the Marine Corps, "the most momentous experience of his life."

He served two deployments in the Middle East before joining the elite 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. He was then deployed to Fallujah, one of the most dangerous combat zones in Iraq at the height of the war in 2004.

While on a patrol through South Fallujah, Eddie was riding in the lead vehicle of his convoy.

Suddenly, insurgents ambushed his unit.

During the ensuing firefight, a rocket propelled grenade struck Eddie's rifle. It exploded on impact, instantly severing his right arm below the elbow and his left arm at the wrist. The blast shattered his femur with the bone protruding from his thigh.

Five Marines were injured and his platoon commander was killed.

An excruciating forty-five minutes passed before an evacuation helicopter could reach them.

Eddie remained alert despite his injuries. Even as tourniquets were being cinched around his amputated limbs to slow the bleeding, he was calmly directing other Marines to safety.

After being medevac'd to the hospital, Eddie required 40 pints of blood to save his life.

Even while facing a long and grueling rehabilitation process, Eddie became known for his positive attitude.

Reflecting on his service, his injuries, and a reality he never imagined, Eddie told us without hesitation, "I would join again in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t trade it, even for my hands back.”