“I just reacted,” he told The New York Times. “I seen a guy hurt and nobody was helping him, so I went out there.”

He was applying a tourniquet to the injured officer when he heard machine gunfire and felt “a chainsaw ripping through my legs,” He was hit twice in the left leg and once in the right leg. He tried crawling back to the gun truck, but was saved by his medic Jared Cripe and was evacuated by a helicopter. They were both awarded the Bronze star for Valor. Eisch had a series of surgeries, and eventually had his leg amputated four years after his injury. “After 4 years I elected to have my leg amputated,” he said.

Brian Eisch retired from the U.S. Army in 2012. Today, Brian Eisch uses a prosthetic leg, which helps his mobility.

On July 24. 2015, the Eisch family then suffered a devastating loss when their beloved Joey, age 12, was riding his bicycle near their home when he was hit by a truck.  Joey did not survive his traumatic injuries. Now on a journey that no parent should have to endure, Brian has become an advocate for the power of outdoor recreation for healing trauma, Brian was on his way to a Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation event when the tragedy struck. The last words Brian said to Joey after instructing him to be careful on his bike ride were, “We love you, Buddy.” 

Brian uses bass fishing as a form of therapy and a hobby to cope with the loss of his son. Today, Brian Eisch is living back in Wisconsin with his youngest son Jaxon, and participates in fishing tournaments, speaking engagements and was recently highlighted in the NETFLIX documentary Father Soldier Son.

Brian’s advice – “Hug your kids every chance you get,” he said. “Tell them you love them because you never know when they’re going to be gone.”

Brian Eisch with Jared Cripe, Brian’s Medic, who saved his life on the battlefield that day.

FATHER SOLDIER SON

Netflix film follows Fort Drum soldier on mission of duty, devotion and family.

“Father Soldier Son” is a New York Times documentary that debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was released on Netflix Friday, July 17, 2020. The documentary follows MSG Brian Eisch and his family for 10 years. The New York Times highlighted the single dad in a 2010 article, “Families Bear Brunt of Deployment Strains.”

Click here to learn more about Father Soldier Son on NETFLIX. 

Brian Eisch is retired from the U.S. Army & living is Wisconsin while his son Isaac joined the Army. Brian is a bass fisherman.

Brian Eisch is a Keynote Speaker and  is available for motivational speaking engagements at your event or business.

Keynote Speaking
MSG Brian Eisch is available for motivational speaking engagements to share his message of inspiration, bravery and perseverance. Click here to learn more.

Joey’s Big Heart Fund is in memory of Joey’s passion for wrestling, The Joey Eisch Memorial Youth Wrestling Tournament  is held at Sandy Creek High School, NY and Joey’s Heart Fund will give an annual award to Sandy Creek youth wrestling and Luxemburg-Casco youth wrestling. Click here to learn more.

Always Forward

~Brian Eisch