Pete and Michele Reid

Pete Reid, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and Michele Reid In May 2004, while serving with the Navy Seabee in Iraq, Peter Reid was critically injured in a mortar attack that claimed the lives of five men and left 34 severely injured. Reid’s list of injuries sustained on that day include the loss of an eye, severe brain injury, paralysis to the left side of his body and a mass of shrapnel wedged in his brain that caused severe blood clots.Even though they gave Reid only a 1% chance of survival, the doctor's didn't take into account the SeaBee "Can Do" attitude and the constant love and devotion from his wife, Michel. Pete has undergone many surgeries, including bone and muscle transplants to save his right leg from amputation, the removal of his left eye, and major brain operations. He also continues to suffer with severe pain, seizures, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Because of these injuries, Reid still suffers from short-term memory loss, impaired reasoning skills and loss of impulse control. He has a disability rating of 100%. Although Pete spends most of his days bound to a wheelchair, he and his wife are finding ways to help his fellow wounded service members as spokespeople for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. They have been features in Discover magazine discussing TBI, and many other publications. Together they bring an inspiring message of how family, friends and community can come together to make a positive difference. The Reid's currently reside in Palm Bay, FL with their teenage son, T.C.