Throughout our Flags for Heroes campaign, we've had the privilege of learning about the incredible veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. These stories, filled with sacrifice and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of patriotism.
We’re honored to share the story of Russell Edgett, a combat veteran whose journey of service and sacrifice extends far beyond his military career.
Story submitted by Sabine Edgett “Entering the army later Russell never expected there'd be a war and he'd see combat. Almost a year and a half later 9/11 happened. He was stationed at Fort Eustis where his company trained Lieutenants for deployment. He volunteered to deploy every time the opportunity became available. After 2 1/2 years he PCSd to Fort Hood Texas as part of the 1st infantry division's unit there. A year later he deployed to Afghanistan. As he navigated a tough year in a war zone he was injured in an IED explosion and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. He avoided an ambush by insurgents which kept the convoy moving and likely saved his men, having seen the ambush vehicle coming at them with no lights in the darkness. He avoided the intended head on collision only cracking the side mirror of his truck. 2 months after redeployment back to Fort Hood he PCSd to Fort Drum New York. He underwent surgery on his shoulder as a result of the IED explosion and 2 years later deployed to Afghanistan with a new company. His second deployment saw the loss of two friends which hit him hard. He redeployed to Fort Drum 5 months later, but part of him remains in Afghanistan. A couple of months after redeployment an in country issue which was treated in Afghanistan hadn't cleared up in his knee. He underwent surgery to remedy it. When that failed to remove the full infection from an insect bite he underwent a second surgery on the knee. His 2nd surgery was too close to deployment for him to deploy with his company. With his combat injuries there was talk of medboarding him. He was not medboarded but simply honorably discharged. After coming home with his wife, it took 2 1/2 years for them to find a place to live even though the VA had him rated 100% disabled from his service related combat injuries. He could not work and the hardship of being homeless led him to start a nonprofit organization to help homeless veterans because the organizations he was referred to did not help him. He didn't have small children nor was he single. Through a Goldstar mother who is a realtor, he found housing which fit his needs with space for his occupational therapy equipment as well as his physical therapy equipment. His organization, the Freedom Isn't Free Ride Foundation, has helped several veterans in his home state of Connecticut and others in other states. 100% of donations are used to help veterans find suitable housing to meet their needs. Operational costs are paid out of his own pocket. During covid, Russell and his wife got up at 4:30am everyday to go out and search for homeless veterans. They provided them with food and necessities. A survival company heard of their work and provided cases of MREs to assist in food distribution for the homeless veterans as he could only afford to make them sandwiches. He has become a member of his town CERT team and has finally gotten his service dog. He and his wife and brother-in-law run the organization without compensation of any kind because the focus is on the veterans they assist. He also does events, like a 60 mile walk to the state capital in 24 hours, to bring awareness of the invisible wounds to the public. Among the events the organization does, is a Christmas tree give away for veterans and active duty every year."
Thank you, Russell, for your honorable service, sacrifice, and dedication.