On August 5, 2011, Army Sergeant Anson Curry, Bravo Company 2-30 Infantry FRG, was severely wounded in Afghanistan when a grenade hit his bunker and shrapnel penetrated his brain. Multiple fragments projected over the left parietal lobe.

 

After undergoing numerous procedures at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Sergeant Curry was transferred to Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center in California, where acute brain injury rehabilitation was carried out. Sergeant Curry had a Cranioplasty procedure done to replace the bone-flap in his head. He was a participant in the “Emerging Consciousness” program where he underwent medical stabilization. This is designed to elicit a consistent communication system (yes/no reliability), to increase cognitive abilities, and to enable him to get to the point where he could participate in up to three hours of rehabilitation daily. He spent nine months in Palo Alto.

 

Sergeant Curry was then transferred to the Learning Services Center in Escondido, to participate in a physical and occupational speech therapy program.

 

For his service to his country, Curry was awarded the Purple Heart, Iran Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal (2x), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2x), NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and the Parachutist Badge.