Brian Fiore: Local Army Vet In Need

Brian Fiore, a  service disabled US Army Veteran is in need of the Tallahassee community's help right now. 

On January 13, 2017 Brian suffered a near-fatal CATASTROPHIC STROKE that has left him severely speech disabled. Doctors have confirmed that his stroke was caused by traumatic brain injuries incurred while serving our nation as an Active Duty soldier. 

Since Brian has lost the ability to verbally communicate, he is no longer able to perform his job with the State of FL. Sadly, the VA has denied an initial request for an increase in his disability rating.

Brian and his family, along with support from a retired US Army General have filed an appeal to reevaluate his claim. 

Unfortunately, the appeal process could take up to a year. 

With Brian unable to work, he can no longer cover his monthly expenses($600 short). He bought a home in  2013 that he can no longer manage due to his disabilities - and it has since fallen into disrepair.

He would like to find a smaller place for himself and his 2 dogs ... but that will require him to fix up and sell his home (estimated costs to break even are around $10,000).

Brian and his family are going through an extremely difficult and trying time and it would be so awesome if we could come together as a community to help out this much-deserving disabled US Army Vet.

Thank you all.


*** BACK STORY***

While attending AIRBORNE school at Fort Benning in 2002, Brian suffered a severe injury to his head and neck when he slipped while exiting the door of a C-130 during a night time training exercise.

In 2003, he again risked his life while parachuting in extreme winds during a combat equipment airborne operation. The winds were so strong that he lost control of his parachute and landed on top of a tree stump and was then dragged 25 meters across the ground before regaining control. 

These events have altered Brian's life tremendously. 

In 2004, he was diagnosed with severe traumatic left piriformis syndrome with complete atrophy and severe left sciatic neuropathy with flattening of the left sciatic nerve.

In 2005, after enduring a year of treatment for chronic pain with no relief, Brian was honorably discharged from Active Duty with 40% disability. 

After his service, Brian earned his Masters Degree in Finance from FSU. He then worked as a Senior Analyst at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity up until the time of his stroke.