Hero Report: Specialist B.J. Jackson

In August of 2003, B.J. Jackson was driving a Humvee with two other soldiers through Baghdad. The vehicle struck a land mine and was then hit by a rocket propelled grenade. The soldiers were besieged by Iraqis firing AK-47s. B.J. was critically injured.

Jackson lost both legs and suffered severe burns on his arms, legs and back. Over the first five days, he received 25 units of blood. Jackson spent nearly 50 days in the post burn unit. Remarkably, by early December, he was skiing on his new legs.

One of five soldiers credited with inspiring the formation of Building Homes for Heroes, B.J. has made hundreds of television appearances and has been keynote speaker at numerous events. The topics B.J. discusses include his personal road to recovery, overcoming odds, leadership, adapting to life’s changes, and perseverance. He is a true American hero for his patriotic and civilian sacrifice. B.J., his wife Abby, and their five children, live in Des Moines, Iowa.