A Cantonment veteran critically wounded in Iran during Operation Epic Fury received a hero’s welcome home this weekend, as local residents lined the roadway to honor 27?year?old Hunter Girdner. Community members, many holding American flags and homemade signs, gathered along the route and at a local venue to recognize Girdner’s actions under fire and the severe injuries he suffered while saving a teammate.
Background: Girdner was working as a defense contractor with a small team when their position came under attack in Iran. During the chaos, teammate and wounded veteran John Gabrysiak was hit and fell behind the rest of the group. Rather than continue toward safety, Girdner reportedly turned back into the impact area to reach him, exposing himself to additional incoming fire.
- Girdner was then struck by shrapnel in the abdomen, sustaining catastrophic internal injuries that required multiple surgeries and a lengthy hospitalization at Walter Reed. Gabrysiak and others have credited Girdner’s decision to return for his teammate with saving a life, describing his actions as the reason both men made it home.
A Hero’s Welcome
Local and state officials joined the Cantonment community in recognizing Girdner’s sacrifice. Elected leaders and law enforcement agencies publicly praised him as a hometown hero, highlighting his willingness to prioritize a teammate’s life over his own safety. The homecoming event, complete with motorcade escort and public reception, underscored the region’s support for Girdner as he continues his recovery.
Gaetz on the Senate Floor
On Thursday, Sen. Don Gaetz recognized Girdner’s heroism:
“Major Burgess and Captain Avila and so many others in this military-intensive state of ours know that General Sherman was right. War is hell, but Hunter Girdner of Pensacola personifies another side of Operation Epic Fury.
On February 28th, this recently retired veteran, who was working as a contractor, was very badly injured when he and his equipment were struck by enemy drones. Despite life-threatening wounds, he found his way back to rescue his engineer before the next drones struck, and he succeeded in saving the engineer’s life.
Today, Hunter Girdner is being released from the intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and soon, Mr. President, he’ll be on his way back home to Pensacola.
A brave soldier who risked his life and saved his friend. Mr. President, we lift up Hunter Girdner and every American who stands in the breach, and we pray that every story we share on this floor could be one of courage and survival.”
