In 2008, during his first deployment with the 101st Airborne Division to Afghanistan, Stephen’s unit was conducting a routine patrol when a roadside bomb (IED) detonated beneath his truck. The explosion caused severe vehicle damage and left him unconscious, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affected his cognitive abilities, balance, and memory. Despite the challenges, Stephen has worked hard to manage the effects of the TBI and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and has found ways to stay resilient.