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MILWAUKEE – Did you know that a brain injury occurs every 19 seconds? It’s one of the most common wounds of war, but one Waukesha County woman is working non-stop to ensure that brain injured patients have the best quality of life possible. She and one of her patients, Winlom Woods, are both Positively Milwaukee. The serenity of Little Muskego Lake…a world away from the war in Iraq. Iraq war veteran Winlom Woods enjoys the view as he visits the home of his nurse, Lisa Alberte. Woods has come a long way since taking a bullet to his skull in Iraq. After serving in the National Guard, he went back as a private contractor. That’s when he was shot. “The first time was easy. It’s easy for me. I thought it would be the same thing again, but I was like a civilian. That’s what made it so hard,” Woods said. A bullet entered Woods’ left ear. He returned from Iraq to Milwaukee in July of 2006 on a stretcher. Loved ones were prepared for the worst. “If he doesn’t make it, I just want to tell him goodbye. I just want to be able to tell him goodbye,” Woods’ aunt, Anita Shaw said. Now, watching the brave soldier get around, it’s hard to believe a bullet is embedded in his brain. “I’m just happy to be here alive,” Woods said. Alberte has dedicated her life to helping the brain injured. Colleagues voted her “Nurse of the Year.” To Woods, she’s a miracle worker. TODAY’S TMJ4’s Carole Meekins: “Are you amazed at how far you’ve come?” “Yes, I am. Thanks to Lisa, and she’s still helping me,” Woods said. Alberte believes brain injured patients don’t have to have a bad life, just a different life. “Each day he faces a daily war because of the cognitive, emotional and physical challenges of the bullet,” Alberte said. She’s inspired by Woods’ spirit and determination. “He has more courage than most people that I’ve ever met, even though he faces those challenges every day with a bullet in his brain. He continues to be someone who is really a wonderful person,” Alberte said. Thanks to Lisa, this war veteran now dreams of a job. “To you and I, sometimes work becomes a four letter word. It’s just work. To my patients who have lost everything, hopes, dreams, careers, work becomes a motivator,” Alberte said. “Anyone who puts time and energy into serving our country really serves the best,” Alberte said. Alberte is relentless when it comes to motivating her patients. “I always say there’s no crying in baseball. There’s no crying in brain injury. People have to be empowered to continue to try even if they want to give up,” Alberte said. Alberte says patients like Woods have left footprints on her heart. Alberte may not be in a war zone, but every day she wins crucial battles, giving dignity and support to those who need it most. “I need to be there for my patients, to be able to make a different. Fortunately, sometimes the best you can do is offer them hope,” Alberte said. Alberte also runs a support group called Embracing Hope For Brain Injured Patients.