Senior Airman Brian Kolfage

Senior Airman Brian Kolfage’s first day of work in the military was 9/11. He was just as shocked as the nation was, but the acts of terrorism further reiterated his reasons for joining the military.

Recently married, Brian served two tours in Iraq during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his second deployment, he volunteered to be one of 12 airmen to be apart of a special mission in Iraq. He and his best friend were selected, but on September 11, 2004, Brian was hit by an insurgent rocket. His life immediately changed forever. He lost both legs and his dominent right hand. Brian spent a year in the hospital and after 18 surgeries, he has a new appreciation for life.

Since being injured, he’s taken up a passion for architecture and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona. One day, he hopes to further his education with a master’s and possibly a Ph.D.

Upon graduating, Brian aspires to revolutionize military architecture and create a better and more sustainable environment for future warriors to thrive in.