My name is John Barbare and I am 42 years old. I was medically retired from the US Army in 2014 after serving for 18 years where I had the best job in the Army - a Psychological Operations Team Chief. After joining the Army in 1997 at the age of 17, my unit traveled extensively, and I enjoyed every aspect of it. My first deployment was to Iraq during the invasion in 2004 and my unit spent over 1 year in Ramadi and Fallujah conducting combat operations on the front line. On my last deployment, in Afghanistan in 2011 I lived in a remote outpost doing Village Stability Operations in Regional Command -East conducting daily patrols for counter-terrorism operations. Six months in, I suffered a TBI and neck injury in an IED blast and spent time in the CASH until I was cleared. I wanted to be back out with my team (Purple Heart #1). Two months later, our outpost received ten 107mm rockets in the evening and I was one of several who didn't make it to the bunker in time (Purple Heart #2). When I woke up moments later, several of us were in the CASH and then medevacked out the next day for further evaluation/treatment at the closest TBI Clinic for multiple injuries. Later, I was flown out of the country to Walter Reed where I spent 2 years recovering from my injuries which affected my legs, spine, eyes, ears, and brain. While I was recovering at Walter Reed, my unit went on the weeklong Yellow Ribbon vacation with their spouses to reconnect. After two years at Walter Reed, the Army, doctors, and my team of medical specialists decided it was in the best interest to medically retire me after 18 years. This didn't sit well with me, as I planned to serve my entire life. I put up a fight and went to two medical review boards with a JAG, but eventually was told that I would never be able to serve again due to the seriousness of my injuries, and would need treatment for the rest of my life - which I still receive at the Veterans Affairs hospital. My wife has been a huge part of my support system throughout all the ups and downs of surgery, rehabilitation, recovery and moving forward after life in the military and being 100% disabled. We have two boys, 4 and 8 years old who bring me joy on a daily basis. We talk and dream about going to Walt Disney World every year, but never seem make it happen. Making this dream come true would allow our family to take a true R and R trip, and allow us to connect as a family and build memories that last a lifetime. It would be a dream come true especially for my kids, but also a healing, therapeutic retreat for my wife and I, since I was never able to take her on the Yellow Ribbon vacation due to my stay at Walter Reed. We would not require transportation to or from Disney World, only 4 park hopper passes for 5 days and a Disney Resort hotel with parking access, that has direct access to and from the theme parks for easy access. Thank you and God bless.
U.S. Army (Severely Wounded Veteran)
1997 - 2014
Wish Fulfilled By:
- Janet donated $50.00
- A Generous Person donated $20.00
- Brittanie in Honor of Service members past, present, & future donated $30.00
- Jason donated $50.00
- A Generous Person donated $25.00
- Jeffery donated $25.00
- Sensheer donated $300.00
- Henry donated $25.00
- A Generous Person donated $40.00
- Amanda in Honor of Nathan Vacho donated $2,935.00
- Remainder of Wish fulfilled by the Veteran Tickets Foundation General Hero's Wish Fund.
Thank You Message from the Hero:
Thanks Vet Tix for allowing our family to take a much needed "once in a lifetime" vacation with my wife and kids to Disney World. We all were able to connect and enjoyed making memories in each park every day and watching the fireworks each night from the boardwalk. Thanks to all the donors and everyone that made this possible!
- John
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