Sergeant First Class (RET) Todd Fringer, hailing from Minong, Wisconsin, embarked on an extraordinary journey of service and resilience that spanned continents and overcame seemingly insurmountable odds.

Enlisting in the military at the tender age of 17, Todd’s unwavering dedication and outstanding performance in training propelled him into the prestigious Excellence in Armor program. His early military days led to an assignment with the 1st Division 2/64th Armor in Germany, where he honed his skills and embarked on a transformative journey.

In a testament to his adaptability and commitment to excellence, Todd participated in an exchange program that took him to the French Commandos School (4). Subsequently, he embraced the realm of airborne operations, becoming a Paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne. Over the years, he ascended to the esteemed position of Senior Jumpmaster and also completed training at the Special Forces SERE School, embodying the spirit of a relentless warrior.

The pinnacle of Todd’s military service came during the tumultuous period of Desert Storm, where he served as the Navigator of BRAVO Company within the 1st Armor Division, 1/1 Cav. His journey saw him not only as a Master Gunner and Platoon Sergeant but also earned him the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). In addition to these roles, he excelled as a Recon Scout, a testament to his unwavering dedication and skill.

During a pivotal mission that involved leading his battalion through a hostile sector, Todd experienced an extraordinary vision. In a flash of insight, he foresaw his own entry into a treacherous minefield and, with remarkable quick thinking and courage, bellowed, “Halt!” This timely intervention spared the lives of his comrades and earned him the Bronze Star for “Bravery on the Battlefield.”

However, Todd’s life took a dramatic turn a few months short of his 20th year in the Army. On April 1, 2005, a tragic incident unfolded as a drunk driver callously struck him with a Dodge truck and callously fled the scene. Todd miraculously clung to life but fell into a coma, defying the grim prognosis of a mere 1% chance of survival. His battle for survival was an arduous one, as he faced death seven times during his medical treatment, only to rally back to life each time. His resilience became a beacon of inspiration.

In the depths of his coma, Todd experienced three profound visions that fueled his determination when he awoke to the grim reality of quadriplegia, a condition that his doctors believed would condemn him to a life without walking. Unwilling to surrender to this fate, Todd, supported by his dedicated physical therapist Rebecca, achieved the remarkable feat of taking his first steps just three months into rehabilitation. Nine grueling months later, he could walk unaided. Todd’s story stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human perseverance.

Despite facing pneumonia 17 times, the leading cause of fatality for quadriplegics.