Tyler Ziegel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tyler Ziegel
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Tyler Ziegel with wife Reneé holding scissors.
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Tyler W. Ziegel
October 16, 1982 Peoria, Illinois, United States
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| Died | December 26, 2012 (aged 30) Illinois, United States
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| Occupation | United States Marine |
| Spouse(s) | Renée Kline (2006–2007) |
Tyler W. Ziegel (born October 16, 1982 – died December 26, 2012) was a brave U.S. Marine sergeant. He was seriously injured during the Iraq War and received the Purple Heart medal for his service.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Tyler Ziegel was born in Peoria, Illinois. He was the older of two sons. His dad worked in construction, and his mom was a waitress. After finishing school, Tyler decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2003, after completing his basic training, he was sent to Iraq.
A Life-Changing Event
On December 22, 2004, Sergeant Ziegel and six other Marines were returning to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. A bomb exploded near their truck. Tyler survived the explosion but was severely injured.
He lost his lower left arm and three fingers on his right hand. Doctors used one of his toes to replace his thumb. Tyler also lost sight in one eye, and his ears, nose, and lips were badly burned. He had small pieces of metal in his skull and a hole above his eyebrow. Doctors even placed a part of his skull in his body temporarily and put an artificial plate in its place. He also needed an artificial tear duct. Tyler had more than 30 surgeries, but some parts of his face could not be fully repaired.
Life After Injury
On October 7, 2006, not long after leaving the hospital, Tyler married Renée Kline. They had met before he went to Iraq. Their wedding was a big news story in the United States. In Illinois, their wedding day was even declared a special holiday!
A famous American photographer named Nina Berman took many pictures at their wedding. One of her photos of Tyler and Renée won a top prize at the World Press Photo contest.
Challenges and Support
About a year after their wedding, Tyler and Renée divorced. They said it was hard for Renée to adjust to Tyler's injuries, and she had reconnected with someone from her past.
After his injuries, Tyler tried to live an active life. He couldn't work, so the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped him with money. In 2007, Tyler had a disagreement with the VA about how much money he should receive each month. He felt the $2,700 he was first given wasn't enough to support a family, as he had hoped for $4,000.
Tyler shared his story on a TV show called Special Investigations Unit on CNN. After the show, the VA agreed to give him the amount he requested. Many people watched the program and sent messages of support to Tyler. One of these supporters was Hershel Williams, a retired Marine and World War II veteran who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
Legacy and Remembrance
Tyler Ziegel passed away on December 26, 2012. His family announced his death. To honor him, about 2,000 flags were placed along the streets of Metamora, Illinois, for miles.
In February 2013, Pat Quinn, who was the Governor of Illinois at the time, spoke about Tyler Ziegel. He mentioned Tyler's story in his annual speech to show the courage that state lawmakers needed. Governor Quinn said, "We don't need to look any further for examples of courage than our men and women in uniform. Men like Sergeant Tyler Ziegel, a proud Marine who grew up in Metamora, Illinois..."
Images for kids
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Tyler Ziegel with wife Reneé holding scissors.
