By 20 years old, few witness the carnage seen by retired US Sargent Benjamin (Ben) Marksmeier in 2006. Fewer yet, the courage to confront it.
Suffocated, singed, and shattered, Marksmeier managed to drag his comrade from the wreckage of their smoldering transport vehicle—fire pouring from the chassis, blood from his severed leg.
He saved the man’s life.
As part of the 189th Transport Division, Marksmeier’s convoy was traversing Southern Iraq when an IED detonation punctuated what may have been the final, heroic efforts of his young life. After being rushed to a field station, a medic pronounced him dead. Then, a twitch briefly animated Marskmeier’s ashen features; a second look uncovered a pulse, faint as the likelihood of his survival.
Nearly 20 years later, Marksmeier lives as one of the most decorated soldiers in Nebraska, having earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Valor for his bravery that day. However, his greatest reward is life with his family, realizing his dream of being a father to sons Caiden (16), Mason (9), and Ryker (7).
Last year, Marksmeier was the recipient of an adaptable home from the “Help a Hero” nonprofit, whose mission is to provide “support for military personnel severely injured in the war on terror” by working with developers, builders, and communities to provide more livable spaces for impacted veterans.
Next week, on Monday, December 16, the Marksmeiers are hosting a party in their new abode—a ‘welcome home’ ceremony hosted by Helping a Hero and Bass Pro Shop. Marskmeiers underwent surgery out of state, and his sons—plus a panel of special guests, including 2012 “X Factor” winner Tate Stevens—are eagerly anticipating his return to Springfield, NE.
A hero’s welcome awaits.
For more information visit helpingahero.org.
