Sgt. Bret Pchelka served for almost 15 years - 10 years in the army and almost 5 in the National Guard. Sgt. Pchelka was injured in April of 2004,when the truck he was riding in struck an IED. in support of operation Iraqi Freedom, in Iraq, and his injuries have progressively worsened over the past few years.In January of 2009, Sgt. Pchelka was forced to retire early - three months short of his 15 year eligibility for early retirement. This placed a financial strain on him and the Heroes' fund stepped in to prevent his house being foreclosed on.
Sgt. Pchelka and his 11-year old daughter reside in Tarboro, NC. Sgt. Bret Pchelka has been awarded a financial hardship grant.
