Derrick Wright's life is a remarkable tale of resilience, service, and recovery, as recounted by Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater. A former U.S. Army Infantry Officer who served from 1991 to 1999, Wright's commitment to protecting others continued long after his military career ended.

A Fateful Night in Baghdad

In 2007, while working for Blackwater in Baghdad to protect U.S. diplomats, Derrick faced a life-changing event. A 107mm Haseb Fajr-1 Rocket launched by insurgents struck his sleeping quarters near the embassy. Found in a critical condition, lying in a pool of his own brain fluid, initial assessments suggested that he was brain-dead. His teammates quickly stabilized him and arranged for his urgent transport to a military hospital in Germany.

A Miraculous Recovery

During a critical moment in the hospital, as Derrick lay unresponsive, his wife Sidney tenderly took his hand and whispered, "Babe, I'm here." Miraculously, in response, Derrick squeezed her hand. This profound interaction marked the beginning of his challenging recovery process. It was a pivotal sign of Derrick's enduring spirit and became the first of many "small victories" he would achieve. Inspired by this breakthrough, he learned to walk and eventually run again, overcoming the severe injuries that had removed a significant portion of his skull and impaired his vision.

A New Chapter of Service

Inspired by his experiences and recovery, Derrick started a blog on Facebook in 2011 titled "Small Victories," where he documented the ups and downs of his rehabilitation and the everyday triumphs along the healing journey. This platform not only shared his story but also connected with others facing similar battles.

In 2015, leveraging the power of storytelling and community support found through his blog, Derrick and his wife founded the Small Victories Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping others with brain injuries discover the healing power of fine arts instruction and performance.

Today’s Contributions

Derrick now works at the Texas Capitol, continues to write, and pursues his passion for art. His life exemplifies not just survival, but a profound commitment to thriving and giving back to the community that supported him through his darkest hours.

Connect and Support

You can follow Derrick’s inspiring journey and support the Small Victories Foundation through his Facebook page.

Derrick Wright's story, vividly recalled by Erik Prince, underscores not only the harrowing risks faced by contractors but also the profound human capacity for resilience and renewal. Derrick's life continues to be a beacon of hope and courage, demonstrating that even the most dire circumstances can lead to new paths of inspiration and service.