Support the Borders' Family

Staff Sergent John Borders, US Army of London, Ohio, is a USO Riverfest Gala Honoree alum, having been an Honoree for the 2006 USO Riverfest Gala. SSG Borders is pictured to the left with is family, wife Mollie and children Brittany and Xander at the 2007 USO Riverfest Gala.

SSG Borders was serving his 4th combat deployment, 2nd to Iraq in his 12th career year when he chose to stay with his men rather than go on Recruiting duty. Just 2 weeks before Staff Sgt Borders and his men were slotted to go home, on January 5, 2006 an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded under his truck. He was quickly transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC from Germany. SSG Borders had broken the tibia and fibula in both his legs, was missing four inches of tibia in the left leg, multiple fractures in both ankles and the left knee, 2 open fractures in his left ulna, contusions on both lungs, some lacerations on his liver and numerous small burns and shrapnel wounds. After 5 weeks of painful surgeries every other day to attempt to wash out and salvage his right leg allowing proper repair to his ankle and foot, he opted for amputation. SSG Borders plans to stay on Active duty in the Army until he retires with 20 plus years.

SSG Borders now has the opportunity to return his family to Tampa/Ocala, Florida area, where his wife, Mollie, was born and raised, but the family needs support to make this a reality. Local efforts are underway to raise funds towards building a specially-adapted home for SSG Borders and his family.