Merlin had a vision to help burned children and their families. He wanted the foundation to be named Merlin's Miracles.

After being burned over 97% of his body when a roadside bomb exploded under his vehicle in Iraq while fighting defending our freedom in the Global War on Terror. Merlin was flown to Brooke Army Medical Center where he was not expected to survive, but after over 9 months in the intensive care unit and over 100 surgeries later, he had clearly defied all odds. Merlin became known to everyone as the Miracle Man.

He touched the lives of everyone he met. He taught us strength, courage and unity. He loved children and was very proud uncle to his one year old niece.