Dominic Fredianelli is a veteran of the Afghanistan war and a sophomore at Finlandia University, where he is majoring in graphic design and illustration. In 2009, he served as a driver and gunner with the Michigan National Guard in Afghanistan, where he and his fellow soldiers searched for roadside bombs. In Fall 2010, he completed a 70-foot outdoor mural which was highlighted in a special exhibit at Finlandia University, and hopes to continue studying graffiti while he pursues his art degree. He was born in the town of Hancock, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Cole Smith is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where he served in 2009 with the Michigan National Guard as a driver and gunner in convoys searching for roadside bombs. Since his deployment ended, he has been taking classes at Northern Michigan and Finlandia Universities, with a focus on business and marketing. He says he wants to be his own boss one day.
Watch a video of Cole and Bodi talking about the conditions in Afghanistan »
Matt "Bodi" Beaudoin is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where he served in 2009 with the Michigan National Guard as a driver in the lead truck of his convoy. He is taking classes at Northern Michigan University, and lives with his 180-pound English Mastiff, Tyson.
Watch a video of Bodi talking about traumatic brain injury (TBI) ยป