Bryan grew up and currently resides in Rolling Meadows, IL., near his parents, Jim and Janet, identical twin brother Bob, and sister Briana. In addition to academic excellence, Bryan excelled in sports during his high school years and competed as an accomplished gymnast in state level competitions. Following graduation, he worked for American Airlines as a Ground Crew Chief at O’Hare airport.
Bryan enlisted in the Army in April 2001 and had a ‘ship out’ date of September 11, 2001. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and was stationed in the Baghdad area. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police (MP), conducted police training courses in Iraq and gained additional law enforcement experience at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary as a prison guard.
In October 2005 at just 24 years old, Bryan was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that resulted in the loss of both legs and his left hand. Due to his injuries, he was awarded a Purple Heart. Bryan received rehabilitation for a period of 13 months at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He is one of the few triple amputees to have survived his injuries in Iraq.
Bryan’s story has received extensive media coverage including a cover story in USA Today, two feature articles in Esquire Magazine (one a cover shot in January 2007), as well as numerous articles in major newspapers and publications, from his hometown Chicago Sun Times, to the LA Times and New York Times. He also appeared in a 60 Minutes segment profiling Gary Sinise.
Bryan is the national spokesperson for Quantum Rehab, a division of Pride Mobility Corporation. Bryan uses the Edge 3 Power Chair with iLevel® to maintain his independence in his daily life. He travels the country making numerous personal appearances while delivering his message of perseverance and determination in major rehab facilities.
In addition, Bryan is an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation and is a spokesperson for USA Cares, a national non-profit organization based in Louisville, KY., that is focused on assisting post 9-11 veterans in times of need. He works with the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY. He also supports Wounded Warriors of Texas, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, the Chris Kyle Foundation and Children of the Blue Grass.
Bryan has a passion for acting and has made numerous appearances in television shows and movies. He appeared in the HBO Documentary, “Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq,” and in an episode of “CSI: New York” titled “DOA for a Day” as a murder suspect. He appeared in the Golden Globe Award winning film “The Wrestler,” starring Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei, and the blockbuster film, “American Sniper” starring Bradley Cooper. Bryan appeared in an episode of “Hawaii 5-0” and the daytime drama, “All My Children.” He was the subject of the Captain America comic, “Theater of War – to Soldier On,” released in August 2009. Bryan has also published a biography on his life titled, “No Turning Back.” He hosted a PBS show in the Chicago area, “Reporting for Service with Bryan Anderson,” which received an Emmy Award. He also received a Telly Award for his work on a Quantum Rehab product video titled “Life Beyond Limits.” Most recently, Bryan appeared in the Adam Sandler movie, “The Week Of.”
Bryan is an energetic and enthusiastic individual who enjoys challenging his limits. He enjoys snowboarding wakeboarding, white water rafting and rock climbing. He loves to travel and meet new people.