When his company was ambushed in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Chris Bain’s first concern was to protect his men. Putting himself in harm’s way to provide cover, Chris sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm. His left arm was blown to pieces by a mortar explosion.

He returned to the United States a hero, though a severely wounded one. At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Chris underwent multiple surgeries and painful rehab, eventually receiving an implant to ease his chronic pain.

But his physical wounds weren’t the only reminder of that tragic firefight in Iraq. Combat stress (PTSD) and depression haunt his life. Certain sounds instantly take him back to combat. Sadness and nightmares cloud his recovery.

Luckily for Chris, his wife Misty was there for him from the minute he came home. As hard as rehab was, as painful as his memories were, her love, loyalty and patience made it all easier. Misty carries him through his darkest, most difficult hours.

Since Chris returned in 2004, Misty has never left his side. She’s been a powerful force in his ongoing recovery – nothing short of a hero to her hero. But as hard as it’s all been, she insists that it’s a labor of love.

Together, Chris and Misty are facing the harsh realities of life after war ... and they’re still smiling.