When Tammy first met Brian Aft, she wasn’t drawn to medals or stories of war. She fell for the man behind the Marine uniform—the one who made her feel safe, like she could just be herself.
“He wasn’t trying to impress me,” she says. “He made me feel like I was talking to a friend. Someone I could trust.”
That trust became the foundation of a love story built on resilience, understanding, and deep mutual respect.
Brian, a retired Marine, lost both of his legs in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED while on patrol with his bomb dog, Buckshot. It was a life-altering injury—but it didn’t define who he was. And as Tammy shares, it didn’t define their relationship either.
“I’d never been with anyone in a wheelchair before,” Tammy admits. “At first, I didn’t know how to act. I was afraid I’d do or say something wrong. I assumed someone in a wheelchair couldn’t take care of themselves.”
But Brian proved her wrong—again and again.
“He showed me that it’s all in the mind,” she says with a smile. “He’s independent, strong, and capable of doing anything he sets his mind to. I don’t see his disability. Not at all. And now, neither does my family.”
Tammy’s journey with Brian also changed the way her parents viewed their relationship. Like many parents, they wanted the best for their daughter. They worried—until they saw with their own eyes how much love, strength, and support surrounded Tammy.
“We had a wedding celebration two months ago,” she shares. “We’ve actually been legally married for seven years, but this was special. My mom finally gave us her blessing—her green light. She saw that Brian takes care of me, and that’s all that matters.”
For Tammy, being chosen as Brian’s partner in life means everything. “It means a lot that he chose me to stand by his side… that he wants to have kids with me. That’s not something I take lightly.”
Her voice softens as she reflects on what their life together has taught her.
“There are times we all complain about small things—things that don’t even matter. But when I think about everything Brian has gone through, I realise how lucky I am. My problems don’t compare. He’s taught me to be grateful. He’s shown me that life is precious.”
Tammy’s story isn’t just about love. It’s about learning to see beyond appearances, beyond assumptions, and finding strength in each other. Together, she and Brian are proof that real love isn’t about what someone can do for you—it’s about walking (or rolling) through life together, side by side.
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