In 2012, on the Fourth of July, Army Staff Sergeant Monte Bernardo's life took a dramatic turn. Serving in Afghanistan, he and his team were ambushed. While repositioning his unit amidst the chaos of gunfire and grenades, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, throwing him 25 feet into the air. The explosion resulted in the loss of both his legs and half of his left arm.

Bernardo's first thoughts after the blast were a mix of shock and practicality, concerned about his ability to even play video games. After receiving immediate medical attention from his comrade, he was given a fentanyl lollipop and transported to a hospital. He remembers the experience as if someone had "turned off the TV and turned it back on in D.C.", waking up at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The IED that caused Bernardo's injuries was a Russian PMN mine, notoriously difficult to detect due to its plastic composition. Bernardo believes it detonated because of the extra weight he carried as a team leader – additional batteries, water, ammunition, and grenades for his squad.

Bernardo's journey to recovery began at Walter Reed, where he took his first steps on prosthetic legs 47 days after the blast. The pain was intense and persistent, but he eventually regained some mobility. However, using prosthetics later led to further complications, confining him to a wheelchair. This prompted him to explore osseointegration, a surgical procedure that connects implants directly to the bone, eliminating the need for traditional prosthetics. With support from the Semper Fi & America's Fund, he underwent the procedure and regained his mobility, a significant step forward in his recovery.

The Semper Fi & America's Fund has been instrumental in Bernardo's journey, providing him with not only medical consultations but also an opportunity to pursue a new passion: blacksmithing, through their Apprenticeship Program. Bernardo praises the organization for their practical and personalized approach to veteran support.

While not one for holidays, the Fourth of July holds a profound meaning for Bernardo. It's a day of reflection, a reminder of his resilience and a celebration of life. It's a day to "light off fireworks and love the life that I have."