Ryan Hendrickson Boeken

The inspiring story of a US Special Forces soldier who was medically retired after stepping on an IED, and his incredible return to active duty. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ryan Hendrickson, a courageous Green Beret, served as the "tip of the spear," ensuring safe routes for U.S. and Afghan troops during combat operations against the Taliban. In 2010, while rescuing an Afghan soldier in "uncleared" territory, Ryan stepped on an IED, resulting in a devastating injury that left his foot severely damaged. Many soldiers face similar fates, but Ryan's journey is unique. After enduring two dozen surgeries and a challenging rehabilitation, he was medically retired yet fought to return to his unit. His recovery included multiple skin grafts and the use of an innovative prosthetic device, the IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis). Within a year, he passed crucial physical tests and rejoined the Green Berets, redeploying to Afghanistan in March 2012. In 2016, he volunteered to return with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. During a firefight, he risked his life to rescue three Afghan soldiers and recover the bodies of two fallen comrades, embodying the ethos that "no one gets left behind." For his bravery, SFC Ryan Hendrickson was awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest honor for valor. This harrowing account showcases one Green Beret's indomitable spirit.