The Domerese Family

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Todd Domerese enlisted in the military in July 1998. During his time in service, Domerese received countless awards including a Purple Heart.

On December 27, 2004, while on a routine patrol in Sadr City, Iraq, Domerese’s vehicle simultaneously drove over two improvised explosive devices (IED). The explosion catapulted the vehicle across the road, instantly killing Domerese’s gunner, while leaving Domerese with various injuries such as a moderate traumatic brain injury, a large complex scalp laceration, burns to his arm, and multiple pieces of shrapnel embedded in his cheek, jaw, temple and ear—all of which required surgical removal. Long-term effects have included daily migraines, tinnitus, tremors and convulsions, severe depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Following his initial injury, Domerese was treated at Darnall Army Community Hospital at Fort Hood, Texas and continued to serve in the Army after his visible injuries healed. However, shortly after his return home from Afghanistan in August 2011, Domerese was transferred to the Warrior Transition Battalion to finish out his time before medically retiring in September 2013.

Domerese currently lives with his wife, Marti, and their two sons, Benjamin, 10, and Joshua, 6. The Domereses are strongly involved with the Boy Scouts of America. In their spare time, they enjoy being outdoors and cheering on the University of Michigan football team. Marti is currently working on a book that details their experiences with war and injury.