Iraq vet continues to live life and have fun
p class="News">He made the cover of Esquire magazine.
He traveled to Washington, D.C., and was on hand when President Bush delivered his State of the Union address.
He was befriended by James Gandolfini of "The Sopranos" while conducting an interview for the HBO documentary "Alive Day Memories," which chronicled the stories of veterans who have escaped fatal injuries during war.
He even hurled the ceremonial first pitch on Memorial Day at Wrigley Field.
Other than that, it was just another ho-hum year in the life of Bryan.
Army Sgt. Bryan Anderson recently moved out of his family's Rolling Meadows home to a nearby condo with two roommates. The 26-year-old continues to fly across the country, whether it's visiting a close friend in Las Vegas or meeting another Hollywood star. He's hobnobbed with celebrities like actor Gary Sinise and Bears' place-kicker Robbie Gould.
"It's still nice to be traveling around," Anderson said. His schedule has slowed down a bit, "but I'm still pretty much going strong."
Anderson came home to a hero's welcome in 2006 after a lengthy hospital rehab stint.
While serving in Baghdad in October 2005, a roadside bomb had detonated in his path, and doctors had to amputate his legs and left arm.
The community's support continues to inspire Anderson. He also said he remains concerned about how his fellow soldiers are being treated once they return from war.
"Rolling Meadows is like one of the best places to live," he said. "It's awesome. I have nothing but good things to say about Rolling Meadows."
Anderson has hired an agent and is available as a motivational speaker. He is also a paid spokesman for Quantum Rehab, a company that makes power wheelchairs.
And while he's eternally grateful for all the help the community has provided, Anderson said he might consider moving to a warmer climate in the future -- perhaps one where he'd be able to better chase his goal of becoming a Hollywood stuntman.
"I'm mostly just trying to live life," he said, "and have fun."