Operation Hands On

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” – Bob Dylan

Operation Hands On believes the heroes we work with are three-fold: Firstly, the brave soldiers who have sacrificed the lifestyle and comfort they once knew in the name of defending the citizens of America and protecting our freedom, secondly, their family and friends who provide constant care and support upon the servicemen’s return, and finally, the therapists, volunteers, and donors who make Operation Hands On possible.

Profiles of these heroes, updates on their treatments and progress, and information about the trailblazers who are working to have soft tissue manipulation therapy recognized, researched, and implemented as treatment for burn survivors will appear on this page in the upcoming weeks. Please check back frequently for updates, and in the meantime, learn about their lives and aid our mission by ordering a copy of Operation Hands On: The Movie to share this compelling story with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones. A brief introduction to a number of our servicemen appears in the movie trailer, available to watch on this website.

Additionally, please take the time to view this tribute to Sgt. Merlin German of the United States Marine Corps, one of our brave soldiers who was undergoing soft-tissue manipulation therapy and was featured in Operation Hands On: The Movie. Sgt. German was burned on over 97% of his body, and passed away after undergoing surgery on his lip in 2008 as a result of his extensive injuries incurred during his service to our country. A non-profit organization, Merlin’s Miracles, has been founded in his memory, and can be accessed at http://www.merlinsmiracles.com.