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Retired Marine Sniper Tells His Story

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA)- Sgt. Brandon Del Fiorentino has quite a story. He is now medically-retired, but is a former sniper for the Marines.

He joined The Chris Moore Show on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

With the popularity of the movie "American Sniper," Del Fiorentino gives an inside look on what being a sniper entails.

"It's got to be something you want to do. It has to be something that's deep down inside of you, if you feel like you must get out there and help your guys," he said. "All we we're doing, was to protect each other. We were given missions. We accomplished those missions. But as a sniper, you're there to protect your brothers. That's your job."

That's what Del Fiorentino feels he has done. He is a humble veteran who doesn't consider himself a hero.

"You know, I'm not a hero," he said. "Don't view me as a hero. All of the guys who went out there, they did their job as best as their capability No. 1 and No.2. If it wasn't for them, I'll tell you right now, I'd probably, I know 100 percent, I wouldn't have made it back home without my guys to my left and my right."

Del Fiorentino was forced to medically retire after he was hit by an IED. He suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder but is seeking help and overcoming his stress.

But that's not the only obstacle Del Fiorentino has faced. In August of 2014, he was shot drive-by style, after he yelled at two cars who were speeding through his neighborhood. The bullets severed two of his arteries, but he survived.

In his recovery, Del Fiorentino honed his videography skills. He one day hopes to produce a documentary-like video with his and other marines' stories.

Chris Moore can be heard Sundays 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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