Michael And Brittani

Michael Jernigan is a United States Marine Corporal who was medically retired in December of 2005 after being blinded by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Aside from taking his sight, the explosion also crushed his entire forehead, severely injured his right hand and left knee, and left him with a traumatic brain injury.

After working hard to recover, Jernigan took steps to regain his independence, one of which included getting a guide dog. Brittani, a lovely yellow goldador (Labrador & golden retriever cross), came into Jernigan’s life in the Spring of 2007 through Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots program and the pair has never looked back since. With her leading the way, Jernigan has graduated from college, gotten married, has been instrumental in spreading the word about the help available to vets returning from combat with injuries, and has also been hired by Southeastern as a Community Outreach Coordinator. He is a shining example of the tenacity of the human spirit.