Aubrey Finds a New Career after his Traumatic Brain Injury

Aubrey Jollotta had the dream of a lifelong career with the Army as an Airborne Infantryman. He joined the Army in 2001, but he was injured in 2007 while serving in Iraq. He sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and struggled with memory and concentration problems. “I made the Army my life, and my career was cut off; I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Aubrey said. He described the two years that followed “as the most depressed time of my life.”

Then things started to turn around when Aubrey connected with Operation TBI Freedom. “We helped Aubrey with food supplies and just being a touchstone for him as he continues to integrate into his community his own way,” said Care Coordinator Fredia Johnson. "We also connected him to the Colorado TBI Trust Fund as another resource." Aubrey also started classes at the Colorado School of Trades to explore a new career.

Aubrey focused on gunsmithing for his new trade. With funding from the Colorado TBI Trust Fund, he was able to obtain the tools he needed to complete class assignments and get set up in his new trade. Aubrey decided the first firearm he worked on would go to a wounded soldier. In fact, he has already made several rifles for other wounded veterans.

 “Along the way in school, I have met some of the best gun makers, metal smiths and engravers in the industry,” he said. Aubrey feels his new skills have given him a real direction for the future. He appreciates all the help he has received from Operation TBI Freedom and feels his life holds meaning and purpose again.