Glen “Silverback” Silva, Gunnery Sergeant, Marines (USMC)
Veterans Charity Ride Mentor

​My name is Glen Silva. I was born in Denver, Colorado in 1972. I enlisted in the Marines in 1990 as Infantry. I obtained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. I was sent to Camp Lejeune, NC where I was stationed for the remainder of my time. I have been with 2/4, 2/6 and the majority of my time was with 1/8. More recently I was with Wounded Warrior East, a facility for injured  Marines and their families and finally stationed at Quantico Marine Corps Base at TBS (The Basic School).

While deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, I stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approx. 20lbs. I lost my left leg five inches above the knee, the blast shattered my left pelvis all the way through. I sustained shrapnel and burns to my right leg, complete amputation of my penis and testicles, and my lower stomach was ripped open up to my sternum. Both lungs were popped, my left forearm and hand were shredded to the bone, all my teeth were shattered, both ear drums were popped and I sustained a moderate TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). I have undergone 50 surgeries to date and have a few more to go.

I have done several public speaking events for a wide range of organizations.

​I have worked with Feherty’s Troops First Foundation in many different areas, from hosting events, fund raising, suicide prevention, and other topics. Feherty’s Troops First Foundation works to provide meaningful assistance to our military who have been wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. (http://www.troopsfirstfoundation.org/)

The Veterans Charity Ride is extremely honored and proud to announce Glen Silva will be receiving the Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Award at the Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration event Thursday, Aug. 11.

http://www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS/Military-Tributes/Bob-Hanson-Distinguished-Service-Award