Patrick Flanigan
TBI Survivor
Patrick Flanigan
TBI Survivor
Patrick Flanigan grew up in Forks and Rochester, Washington. He was active in the Boy Scouts, working as an instructor at summer camp and earning his Eagle Scout badge during his senior year. Patrick was also heavily involved in sports throughout school, lettering in cross country, wrestling, and track all four years of high school.
He joined the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program one year before graduating from high school in 2001. He left for boot camp in June, and upon completion, went to Little Creek, Virginia, to begin training as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician. After completing a long and demanding training pipeline, he graduated from EOD and associated schools in January 2004.
During his 14-year career, Patrick spent four years in the Middle East, completing five deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, working alongside the Army, Marines, and Army Special Operations. He was medically retired in April 2011 after sustaining a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with multiple brain bleeds, along with numerous orthopedic injuries, after being struck by an eighteen-wheeler while on foot on the freeway.
Throughout his long road to recovery, Patrick returned to the Middle East as a contractor for 15 months. After returning to the U.S., he earned his bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis (SSDA) from Norwich University. He currently holds a GS position supporting the East Coast’s Group Two Navy EOD, while continuing his recovery every day. Unlimited
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