United States Army Specialist Bret Jacob Menard was born in New Iberia, Louisiana and was raised by his mother in a single parent household. As a child Menard was extremely active, playing all kinds of sports such as, baseball, inline hockey, skateboarding, tennis, and soccer. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors and developed passions for hunting and being out on the water.
Menard decided to enlist in the United States Army after being motivated by the acts committed on 9/11 along with his desire to leave his small town, travel, and be a part of something that truly matters. Once enlisted in 2009, Menard would serve in the 5th Engineer Battalion and the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Throughout his time of service Menard earned many awards including but not limited to, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Purple Heart, the Nato Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge.
On September 28th, 2011 Menard was on a road clearance mission in the Ghazni Province of Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. This explosion left Menard a T-4 paraplegic with traumatic brain injury, compartment syndrome in both arms, unable to use his legs, many internal injuries, and total face reconstruction due to many bones and teeth being broken during the blast. Menard was hospitalized for a total of 18 long months, and began a steady recovery process in which he attended multiple different therapy sessions including, occupational, physical, and speech.
Despite the many difficulties he faced, Menard persevered and now lives in Tampa, Florida with his fathers Bret and David, his mother Catherine, and grandmother Loyce. He stays in touch with his sister Brittany who lives in Louisiana. Menard currently finds enjoyment in live music, flying drones, fishing, and especially traveling. Menard is also extremely active in his community, participating in multiple Tunnel to Towers Foundation events, volunteering in the Feeding Tampa Bay program, and taking part in multiple events for the Stay in Step Program. Menard aspires to become more and more independent each day and will continue to thrive and be the best version of himself.
