MEET THE TEAM
Brooks Herring, PT, DPT, CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F
Originally from Bossier City, LA, Brooks grew up in Conway, SC. He spent six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a weapons specialist, deploying to Iraq and Africa, and reached the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. Brooks then spent two years as an Army contractor in Afghanistan. His search for a new purpose eventually led Brooks to the VA to inquire about school and, a few tests later, to decide on pursuing Physical Therapy with the mission of serving other veterans recovering from combat trauma. Brooks completed his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina in 2018, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy at UofSC in 2021. Brooks is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator, Special Populations Training Specialist, and Personal Trainer by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He currently practices as a physical therapist at RunPHASE and Drayer Physical Therapy Institute.
Leonard Anderson, TSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Leonard “Len” Anderson was born in Little Rock, AR, but moved to Chester, SC at a young age. Len enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2002 as a Security Forces member. He became a Military Working Dog handler and deployed twice to Afghanistan. On his second deployment, in July of 2012, Len and his military working dog, Azza, were struck by an IED while on patrol. Len suffered severe trauma and muscle loss to both legs, a broken eye socket, abdominal wounds, a broken left arm, and amputations of his left arm below the elbow and part of his right hand. After three years in recovery learning how to walk, use the two fingers he had left, prosthetics, and daily living activities, TSgt Anderson retired from active duty after more than 13 years of service. Len is also a board member of an organization called “4 The Fallen”(www.4-thefallen.org), whose mission is to empower families of fallen and wounded service members while raising awareness. Anderson travels with the The Louisville Slugger Warriors, was a member of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, WWAST, he competed in the 2014 Warrior Games, medaling in swimming and shooting, and was selected to compete in the 2016 Invictus Games against 13 other countries in swimming. Len now lives in Chapin, SC and plans to spend as much time with his children as possible while finishing his degree in sports and business administration.
Jay Patel, PhD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, CES
Dr. Jay Patel currently serves as the director of research at Palmetto Health-USC Orthopedic Center. In addition, Dr. Patel is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Exercise Science at University of South Carolina and the Director of Sports Science with the University of South Carolina Department of Athletics. A former multisport athlete at the high school and collegiate level, Dr. Patel has vast knowledge and experience in the application of scientific assessments to improve athletic performance and reduce injuries. He received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, a master’s degree in exercise science and a PhD in kinesiology with specializations in anatomy and sport biomechanics from Auburn University. An expert in the field, Dr. Patel has several faculty and research appointments and is a sought-after guest lecturer and publisher and has worked with professional and Olympic-level athletes. Dr. Patel holds certifications including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator with Distinction, both through the National Strength and Conditioning Association; Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine; and Functional Movement Screening certified through Functional Movement Systems.
