Ryan Parrott

In 2005, Ryan was riding atop a Humvee manning the gun turret in enemy territory, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED), causing a flash fire and throwing him from the Humvee. Ryan regained consciousness with his face and arms on fire, and witnessed his fellow team members suffer devastating burn and blast injuries. While Ryan’s burns were only first and second degree, his teammates suffered lifelong injuries that they are still recovering from, but all three are alive.

After completing his service with the US Navy, Parrott moved to Dallas, where he met retired Captain Sam Brown, a burn survivor. Parrott was inspired and humbled by Brown's display of strength and courage, despite his debilitating scarring. Parrott determined that night that he would establish an organization that provided for military, first responders, and civilian burn survivors, the same way that amputees benefit from incredible advancements in prosthetics.

Parrott continues his service after service as President and CEO of Sons of the Flag, an organization advocating for burn survivors.