Scott Kruchten says it's the liberties and rights that we exercise everyday that led him to join the Marines in 2003. However, little did he know, he would pay a big price.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you," sings Scott Kruchten's family and friends. They're celebrating another year of his life. The celebration every year means even more. Just a few years ago, Scott was in Iraq fighting for our country and eventually his life. "We went through and did our patrol as normal and we were on our way out and our vehicle was hit with an IED... and that's pretty much where my brain shuts off for a couple days," explained Scott.

Scott, a Marine, woke up in Bathesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. "It wasn't too long from then that I was told three of the five Marines in the truck had passed away," Scott said.

As time passed by, Scott became the sole survivor of the IED explosion. He suffered a brain injury and as he recovered, he also found a new friend. "It's been kind of a gradual thing," explained Peg O'Donnell.

Peg's son, Shane, served alongside Scott and he was one of the Marines killed November 8th, 2004. "Shane was always upbeat and stuff and that's something I got from Scott. He just kept fighting the battle no matter what they told him. 'Oh you can't do this and you can't do that.' and he was like, "Hah!', and he would do it three times," smiled Peg.

His resilience and Peg's loss came together and a special bond was formed. Peg remembers when the unit came home from Iraq. She went to the homecoming and Scott, still injured, did too. The moment was emotional for Peg and she slunk to the back of the crowd--that's where Scott found her. "Here comes Scott, he said, 'Come here.', Held me for a long time. It was like Yep, I hugged my marine.... it wasn't my son, but it was my marine," Peg explained with a tear rolling down her cheek.

A hurt marine and a hurting military mom came together to support each other. "Peg has been a huge help with a bunch of my recovery in regards to not becoming jaded, you know cynical on several things," explained Scott. "We've just, I think, been a really great support system for one another," said Peg.
The support continues today, nearly four years after the day that changed both of their lives. However, a resounded message rings through all the heartache and pain--a hero lost his life in 2004 and another hero lives on today. "Going back to that day in November of 2003 when I enlisted, I wouldn't change a thing, even knowing what would come up," said Scott confidently.

"His strength, courage, and positive attitude have set and example for me who's son was killed in that humvee. It is my honor and pleasure to have become Scott's friend," said Peg.

For that reason and so many more, Scott thank you for being an Unsung Hero.

Scott served with the 224 Marine reserves golf company based out of Madison. Due to his injuries he has retired from the military, but still keeps in contact with his unit (currently deployed to Iraq for a second tour) and their families. Scott also wanted to make one point very clear. He said it's important to support all troops because they all rely on each other to do the job that's required of them. He says regardless of your political stance on the war--it's important troops are supported.