United States Army Sergeant Cory Jason Muzzy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was raised mostly in Greenville, Michigan. As a child, Muzzy enjoyed playing outside with friends, playing video games and chess, as well as watching Nascar.
After being inspired to serve by the tragic events of 9/11, Muzzy answered the call to service and joined the Army on August 7th, 2007 at the age of 17. During his time in the Army, he served with the 101st 3/320 FA Alpha Battery and the 82nd 18th Fires Brigade 3/321 FA Bravo Battery. During his time in the Army, he was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also graduated from Air assault school.
On February 21, 2014, Muzzy was injured after the Howitzer malfunctioned during a live fire training exercise, killing one of his fellow soldiers and severely injuring two others, with several other soldiers sustaining minor injuries. The incident resulted in the amputation of Muzzy’s right leg above the knee and left leg below the knee, traumatic brain injuries, shrapnel injuries on his face, and blindness in both eyes. Muzzy underwent over forty surgeries, including skin grafts, placement of rods and screws in his right forearm, and fusion surgery in his neck. Muzzy also suffers from PTSD.
Muzzy’s recovery process was grueling and painful, but through hard work and determination, he was able to complete rehabilitation in two years and return home to his family, after having been told that his recovery would take five or more years due to the amount of injuries he sustained.
Now, Muzzy enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing Dungeons and Dragons, video games, chess, and watching Nascar. Muzzy shared that he has the best support system, stating that his parents, Cindy and Barry, moved their entire lives to New Mexico to help care for him, and that his wife, Michelle, has never left his side and has helped him immensely to adapt and regain his independence. He credits his sons, Killean and Deklen, with keeping life interesting. Muzzy looks forward to regaining more of his independence without the financial burden of a mortgage.
