Joe's Story
On October 31, 2011, DEA Special Agent Joe Piersante and his Foreign Deployed Advisory Support Team (FAST) unit embarked on a mission to Afghanistan. While attempting to gather information concerning counter-terrorism and narcotics, SA Piersante, along with other international units, fell under heavy Taliban fire. When the units were forced to retreat, Piersante provided cover to ensure safe boarding of all helicopter units. The last of his unit to board, he was struck with an enemy round that pierced his helmet and penetrated through both temples before exiting the opposite side.
The force of the round knocked SA Piersante unconscious. His injuries were substantial. He was classified with severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and both eye orbits were destroyed in the blast. His corneas were severely damaged, and his retinas were detached, rendering him blind.
DEA Special Agent Joe Piersante will talk about local drug enforcement and how it impacts the community as well as why organizations like the Hundred Club are so important. DEA FAST missions are considered a combination of military and law enforcement. Agents combine with other agencies in a “commando-style squad” in three mission types: counter terrorism (CT), counter narcotics (CN), and direct action (DA). All missions are extremely dangerous.