Sgt Brian Saaristo of the 101st Airborne Division 302 was severely injured along with Specialist Nick Paupore by an Iranian made Improvised Projectile Device that hit their Humvee on July 2nd 2006 while they were driving through Kirkuk Iraq. Sgt Saaristo lost both his feet at about mid-calf down on both side. Nick Paupore lost his right leg above the knee. Both men were recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC when the Duluth Tribune came by to interview Sgt Saaristo. This is the Multimedia presentation that was placed on their web site soon after the interview. It is a multimedia presentation with pictures taken that day and you can hear the voice of Sgt Saaristo as the interview happened. Sgt Saaristo has also been featured in the December 2006 issue of The National Geographic Magazine on page 90-91. It is the brave men and women of our Armed Forces that have placed themselves in harms way right between us and those that would do us harm. They are responsible for our safety and our freedom that we have come to enjoy. We and a grateful nation are very proud of the great sacrifice these men and women have so graciously given us to ensure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. From all of us we say thank you. (less info)