When Bryan Anderson returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq, he embarked on another journey—13 months of rehabilitation. The U.S. Army Sergeant from Rolling Meadows lost both of his legs and one of his hands in a roadside explosion in 2005. As a result of his injuries, he was awarded a Purple Heart and recognition nationwide. In many ways, Anderson’s life is more action-packed now than it was before he entered the Army. He recounted his experiences in No Turning Back: One Man’s Inspiring True Story of Courage, Determination and Hope. Richard Steele recently sat down with Anderson who began by talking about his life before entering the Army.

Anderson’s show, Reporting for Service with Bryan Anderson, begins Thursday at 9:00 p.m. on WTTW Channel 11. The show uncovers hidden heroes making a difference in communities around the region.

Music Button: Charles Lloyd/Maria Farantouri, “Requiem”, from the album Athens Concert, (ECM)