Specialist Sanders was a member of the 105th Engineering Battalion and was stationed in Iraq in 2004. During his time in Iraq, SP4 Sanders contracted bacterial meningitis, which caused nerve damage in his lower back and legs. In addition, SP4 Sanders suffered other combat-related problems, which include hearing loss and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. SP4 Sanders has received a 30% disability rating from the VA.
Upon his return from Iraq, Sanders was employed as a correctional officer at a local penitentiary. However, due to the meningitis and the PTSD, he was forced to quit his job in 2007. Sanders is married, and his wife is 7 ½ months pregnant. The North Carolina Heroes Fund was proud to assist SP4 Sanders and his wife with a financial hardship grant.
