Robert Briggs

Sgt. Robert Briggs was born January 14, 1969. He served in the Iowa National Guard from September 1991 until he was medically retired in 2007 due to his Iraq injuries.

Robert was severely injured on April 16, 2005 in Ramadi, Iraq when a 100 lb. mortar landed near him on base. He returned home and he and his wife become advocates for injured soldiers, proving that there is hope after an injury through speaking with others and learning adaptive programs. The couple was instrumental in earning a large grant for Wounded Iowa Warriors to help medically evacuate soldiers out of a war zone. Robert and Michelle were also ground breakers for English River Outfitters, an organization dedicated to providing veterans a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Robert passed away on June 28, 2011 as a result of medical complications related to injuries sustained in Iraq in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and two children. Michelle first attended a Survivors of Heroes Retreat in 2016 and graciously returned in 2017 for an alumni retreat.