Brant Rutland with daughter Kira, 9.

A former Live Oak native is currently recovering at a Washington, D.C. hospital after being attacked while serving in the US military in Afghanistan. Brant Rutland, 32, was deployed to Afghanistan in February and his life was forever changed on April 6.

Rutland was born in Homestead, but his family moved to Live Oak when he was just one. He attended Suwannee County schools and eventually graduated from Suwannee High School in 1999. The following year, Rutland enlisted in the United States Navy.

“It’s always been something I looked up to and I knew it was for me,” Rutland said.

Rutland spent the next four years of his life serving this country in the Navy before taking a break in 2004. Three years later, Rutland rejoined the military, but this time signing up to serve in the US Army.

As part of his duties, Rutland was deployed to Afghanistan on Feb. 16 and was scheduled to return home in November. However, things took a turn for the worse.

“We were doing a route clearance mission and we were attacked by a rocket-propelled grenade,” Rutland said. 
As a result of the attack, Rutland sustained major injuries.

“I was first treated in Afghanistan. I was then shipped to Germany before coming here to Washington,” he said. 
About two weeks ago, Rutland returned to the US and is currently being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Since the Saturday of the attack, Rutland has endured 12 surgeries including having his left arm amputated.

“I’ve still got a ways to go, but I’m doing good considering it all,” Rutland said.
Rutland stated on his Facebook page on Thursday that he is done with surgeries and should be an outpatient soon.

“Still have a long road to recovery. Thank you all for your prayers,” said Rutland.

Once Rutland is released from the hospital, his plans are to pursue a medical retirement from the military and return to the Sunshine State.

“My plans are to go to Jacksonville and live near a veterans hospital,” he said. “My family and friends are still there, so I plan to get over to Live Oak as well and see everyone. They’re always on my mind and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone when I get well.”

Rutland is currently being cared for by a great medical staff, his wife Rosie, and their two children, Kira, 9, and Angel, 8. 
Brant’s mother said he has been her “rock” throughout the ordeal.
“Brant has stood tall,” said Felicia Herring. “I was sick with worry and he kept assuring me that he was going to be fine. He is a wonderful son and a blessing to his family.”
Brant’s sister, Victoria St. John, said the event is “life altering.”
“I am very thankful that he did not lose his life that day and I am amazed at how well he is coping with his amputation,” said St. John. “I am saddened about his sacrifice but proud of his valor and commitment.”

When Rutland ends his military career, he will retire as an E4 Specialist. But most of all, he’ll go down in history as an American hero.