Meet our 2013 Defender of Freedom Award Recipient Staff Sergeant Jesse Cottle, USMC. In 2009, while in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment, Jesse was on foot patrol on a hot day in July, when the young EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) Technician stepped on a pressure plate, causing it to detonate. His legs were immediately severed. Now, four years later, Jesse is steadily walking on prosthetics, is a full-time student studying Chemistry and Biology at the University of San Diego, and is married to the girl of his dreams, Kelly. Join us in Philadelphia on December 12 and help us honor Jesse and his service!