The Briggs Family

Miranda Briggs – First Responder and Surviving Spouse of U.S. Army Ranger Garrett Briggs

Growing up, Miranda Briggs of Richmond Hill, Georgia, wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life. After some soul-searching, she enrolled in EMT school and discovered her calling – helping others. Soon after, Miranda started her training as a firefighter. For the next four years, she served as an EMT/firefighter with Savannah Fire and Emergency Services and then with the State of Georgia on Jekyll Island.

In 2015, Miranda married U.S. Army Ranger Garrett Briggs, who had served his country in Afghanistan. Due to events that happened during his service, Garrett struggled with depression and mental health (PTSD). As an EMT, Miranda recognized the signs and encouraged her husband to seek help, which he did.

Miranda and Garrett were overjoyed with the news they were expecting their first child.  They threw themselves into preparing to welcome their daughter. Garrett began working to manage his health and found a full-time job. In January 2018, the couple welcomed their daughter to the world. Just two weeks later, Garrett succumbed to his internal war. Miranda resigned from her job to focus on her daughter and grieve. Soon, she became determined to find a way to help others in similar situations.

Miranda created the Fight the War Within Foundation, a nonprofit seeking to connect people with mental health resources in their communities. In the first year, the nonprofit put $35,000 back into the community to assist those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. She is determined to help bring change to the mental health care system for all people, but namely for active-duty personnel, first responders, and veterans.

In 2021, Miranda returned to her work as an EMT/firefighter. She has completed numerous levels of training, including airport firefighter and hazmat technician, and is certified as a crisis intervention instructor for Armed Forces Mission’s The intervene Challenge Course.

Miranda is currently the Outreach Coordinator at The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Aspire Health Partners in Hinesville.  She continues to help her community through her nonprofit as well as speaking about mental health issues and teaching or sponsoring suicide intervention classes. 

Operation Finally Home is honored to partner with Lennar in providing Miranda Briggs and her daughter the gift of a home in Rincon, Georgia.