10/04/2026
On October 4, 2012, 3rd Platoon, B Co from 3rd ID was finishing up a multi-day mine clearing mission in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan. SSG Russell Dennison was the acting platoon sergeant and was leading a dismounted patrol towards the extraction point. While clearing for IEDs with the mine hound, he was struck by a pressure plate IED and was thrown 20 feet into a creek, losing both of his legs. Combat medic Calvin Todd heard the blast and while running towards him to render aid, stepped on another pressure-plate IED, losing his left leg.
Both soldiers were medevaced to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where The Fund met them while they recovered together, providing support for them and their families that continues to this day.
Both are thriving – Calvin is a carpenter and hockey dad, and Russell is working towards his personal training certifications and a dance dad.
Today, on their 14th Alive Day, we salute the bravery and selflessness of SSG Russell Dennison and SGT Calvin Todd.