Bio: Sgt. William (Billy) Gudzak (U.S. Army, retired,) served with the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell, KY. He was a Combat Medic and was deployed twice to Iraq.

He sustained his brain injury on his second deployment in 2008 at the age of 24. He returned home via the Landstuhl, Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Centers, and ultimately, to the James Haley VA polytrauma unit in Tampa.

Billy was able to go home to live with his parents in 2011 where he lived for 10 years. He has recently moved to NeuroRestorative in Orlando where he enjoys the company of others his age in a communal living setting.

Billy has been in the Wounded Warrior Independence Program for many years and is grateful for the many benefits the program has provided to him. His artwork was made possible through WWP and a wonderful art therapist. Billy also participates in weekly music therapy and the services of community support specialists, all provided by the Wounded Warrior Projects Independence Program.

Impact art has made: Choosing and then creating paintings has made for some of Billy’s best hours since his injury. His journey as a disabled veteran has been made more meaningful and enjoyable because of his artwork.

He has found a way to give back by occasionally offering his paintings to others for any donation to the WWP. Billy is very proud of the fact that the artwork he has so enjoyed creating has benefitted others as well. People have found joy in both the beautiful pieces of art they’re now displaying in their homes and by supporting the WWP with a donation.

New Beginnings: Billy was inspired to paint this painting due to one of his caregivers being from Puerto Rico. All of Billy’s paintings start with what he feels like painting on a given day. He’s a fan of the beach, flowers, and all things that represent the beauty of nature.

Billy has had more than one new beginning since his injury over 13 years ago. He is now experiencing another new beginning as he acclimates to his new home. He’s very happy to be back in Orlando where he went to college and has fond memories of frat parties and college life. Each painting is a rendering of something beautiful which Billy appreciates more than ever.

Piece created with: Acrylics, variety of different shaped brushes, and creativity; created with the support of his art therapist, Craig.