"All American". Brian Stann was born on September 24, 1980
at Yakota Air Base in Japan before moving to the United States and growing
up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. From an early age Brian played organized
football and excelled quickly. He was the leader of Scranton Prep’s football
team, setting school records by a quarterback for career passing yards and
rushing. His achievements on the field mirrored his academic accomplishments
and he was selected with the honor of being accepted to one of the most
prestigious scholastic institutions in the country, the United States Naval
Academy in 1999.
While at the Naval Academy, Brian quickly excelled in his new position as
linebacker, helping them beat their arch-rival Army in three of his four
meeting. He followed up that honor earning a Bachelor of Science degree in
Economics, before continuing his service to his country by accepting a
commission as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps in 2003.
As a football player, Brian took with him the lessons he learned on how to
complete a mission with a team, one that quickly came in handy for him in
the Corps. He was only with his men for a few months before they deployed to
Iraq.
Brian was the 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon leader with Weapons Company when
everything started happening during his very first operation. From May 8-14,
2005, he led his men into battle, where their mission was to seize a bridge
near Karabilah, Iraq. Three different times, he negotiated four kilometers
to maintain their position from enemy attacks. However, on the third time
through, the enemy had set up an ambush for the Marines.
Although ambushed, Brian called in close-air support and direct fire from
tanks while taking on over 30 rocket-propelled grenade attacks, multiple
machine guns firing, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonating.
"When we began, it was a big fight, but as the days went on, we began to use
more of our assets," Brian explained. "We called in close air support and
used tanks and dealt a big blow to the enemy."
Brian was in a 360-degree fight and was setting up casualty evacuation
points after they were hit by suicide IEDs. All of this would not have been
possible if it were not for the hard work of his men in the sheer face of
danger, explained Brian.
"He [Brian] has great strength of character and endurance, which was shown
when everything happened over a week and he kept on going," explained Major
General Richard Huck, 2nd Marine Division's Commanding
General, shortly after presenting Brian with the Silver Star. "It doesn't
even capture all that happened.”
Brian stated afterwards, "This award represents my guys. It's an
insight to what my men did over there. There were a lot of our guys who
received awards from our group when we were out there, not just me. You can
forget all the other medals. I just wanted the award that said 42 out of 42
men came home safely," he further explained. "And we all came home, so
mission accomplished."
And what a homecoming for Brian it was. He married his college sweetheart,
Teressa, who he met while back home visiting his family in Scranton. Teressa
is a graduate of Mary wood University with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Health and Human Services and a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader.
During Brian’s next tour in Iraq, he called a fight promoter and clamored
for a shot at the mixed-martial arts world. The promoter took a chance on
him and Brian did not disappoint earning a first round knockout in his very
first fight. Another promoter took notice and quickly signed him to a deal
with World Extreme Cagefighting. During his first fight under their banner,
he earned another first round knockout, this time in just 16 seconds, the
fastest knockout in WEC history. He has since remained undefeated by
defeating another previously undefeated opponent via another first round
knockout!
Brian continues to serve on active duty as a United States Marine Corps
Officer at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. However, he still finds time to
train every day and is quickly being recognized as the future of MMA in the
light heavyweight division. He has even begun training with UFC legend and
Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. Expect Brian to
continue making his mark on this sport.
Speaking of other marks Brian has recently made, he and Teressa will be
welcoming another champion in less than nine months as they are both excited
and happy to announce her pregnancy. Brian is looking forward to seeing his
future sparring partner.
Stay tuned to
www.brianstann.com for all the latest info on Brian Stann's
career.
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