The TX-82 Cadet Corps at Samuel Clemens High School received a visit from SGT Brian Jergens, Jr. (retired) on January 29, 2026 - one that told a story of duty, sacrifice, resilience, and ultimately, honor.
SGT Jergens served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2013 as a 68W - Combat Medic. His deployment took him to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011. He was severely injured in a convoy operation when his Humvee was destroyed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
He was medically evacuated to the United States, and spent the next two years undergoing a grueling rehabilitation to recover from his injuries. Prior to his medical retirement, SGT Jergens was awarded the Purple Heart.
The JROTC cadets were appreciative of the honor of his visit - learning a life lesson about grit and of heroism that rarely receives media attention. We thank SGT Jergens for his service and the example of living his life on his terms.
SGT Jergens is the son of Sergeant Major Brian Jergens Sr. (retired) and Marilyn Jergens; SGT Jergens, Sr. is currently a paraprofessional at Clemens HS and his wife is a retired employee of the same campus.