An Iraq War Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient helped to raise funds for a fallen Luzerne County Solider with the stroke of a pen. Sgt. Bryan Anderson is a triple amputee, losing both legs and his left hand in an IED blast in Baghdad. Johnson College hosted “Bryan Anderson Day” on October 16th, where he was the keynote speaker for their scholarship awards luncheon. Sgt. Anderson signed copies of his book No Turning Back which were sold at the event. Johnson College raised more than $350.00 and donated all the proceeds to the “The 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund.” Lt. Cleary was a Dallas, PA native and was killed in Iraq in 2005 during an ambush by hostile forces having just completed a demolitions mission. The fund supports other gold star families and organizations that support veterans. Johnson College also welcomed Lt. Cleary’s father, Jack Cleary of Dallas, to the event. Sgt. Anderson travels the country as the national spokesperson for Quantum Rehab in Exeter, PA and as the national spokesperson for USA Cares which supports post 9-11 veterans and their families.
- FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Mike Garnett, Cleary Memorial Fund, Kingston; Jack Cleary, Dallas, Cleary Memorial Fund; Sgt. Bryan Anderson, Iraq War Veteran, Quantum Rehab Spokesperson; Eric McCabe, Kingston, Cleary Memorial Fund; Dick McLane, Quantum Rehab. (Plus Bryan’s Dog Mya)