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Americans first learned about the bravery and sacrifice of injured veteran Cory Remsburg during President Barack Obama's 2014 State of the Union speech -- where Remsburg received thunderous applause in Congress. Turns out Obama and Remsburg had crossed paths a few times. In 2009 before his injuries, Sgt. 1st Class Remsburg met Obama at Omaha Beach on the 65th anniversary of the Allies' D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France. Remsburg was one of several soldiers who parachuted in during a D-Day re-enactment. Courtesy White House
Remsburg has always had a passion for adventure, especially skydiving. He also loves serving his country, even holding up the American flag while jumping out of a plane. Courtesy Remsburg Family
Remsburg spent 39 months in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. On his 10th deployment, he was struck by an IED in Afghanistan that nearly killed him. Courtesy Remsburg Family
Obama met Remsburg for the second time at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on February 28, 2010. The President realized the two had met before when he saw the photo of them in Normandy by Remsburg's bedside. Pete Souza/White House
Since his injuries, Remsburg has been in intensive physical therapy, living at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation in California for 16 months. He has to relearn how to walk and talk. Courtesy Casa Colina Rehab Hospital
Obama met with Remsburg for the third time at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix on August 6, 2013. Remsburg shocked his nurses and even his father, Craig, when he stood up, saluted the President and took several steps with the help of a walker. Pete Souza/White House
On January 28, 2014, Remsburg and his father, Craig, were special guests at the State of the Union Address, sitting beside first lady Michelle Obama. Toward the end of Obama's address, he acknowledged Remsburg, followed by a standing ovation from all of Congress that went on for nearly two full minutes. Win McNamee/Getty Images
