The LaBerge Family

Soon after his 18th birthday, U.S. Army Sergeant Ethan LaBerge followed his lifelong dream of enlisting in the Army. He was deployed twice to Afghanistan during his five years of service.

In May of 2012, LaBerge arrived at Fort Campbell and was placed in the storied unit of 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment. During a combat mission in Afghanistan, LaBerge’s life was forever changed. His platoon was leaving a meeting with a local official when a civilian detonated a suicide vest nearly 10 feet from his group. The blast resulted in two deaths and multiple casualties, and LaBerge was left in critical condition.

LaBerge suffered a concussion, many broken bones and head-to-toe shrapnel wounds. He battles PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). To date, he has undergone 11 surgeries, and still struggles with memory loss, intense pain and cognitive challenges. He medically retired in 2016.

For his service, LaBerge was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, and more.

LaBerge and his wife Arin, who is also an Army veteran, have a daughter and son. They enjoy taking their children to the zoo and the park. LaBerge enjoys attending car shows, working on cars, and attending sporting events.

Thanks to Beazer Homes, Ashlar Development and Operation Finally Home, the LaBerge family was provided a mortgage-free home in the community of Nicholas Vale in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.