Lt Col Thomas Brittingham: A Veteran’s Journey to Reclaim His Voice

Lt Col Thomas Brittingham’s journey to reclaim his voice is a testament to the power of technology and community support. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2023, Brittingham faced the progressive loss of his ability to speak. However, with the help of ElevenLabs and Bridging Voice, he was able to recreate his natural voice, bringing back a vital part of his identity.

A Lifetime of Service

Brittingham’s career is marked by dedication and excellence. A 2006 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and a former Air Force Academy Exchange Cadet, he began his career on the Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia in Guam. His leadership roles included commanding the Coast Guard Cutter Haddock and serving as Military Aide, managing significant modernization programs for the Coast Guard.

In 2011, he transitioned to the Air Force, where he excelled as a pilot, logging nearly 1,000 combat hours and serving in multiple deployments. His service was not only a professional commitment but a deeply personal one, reflecting his passion for his country.

Confronting ALS

The diagnosis of ALS was a turning point for Brittingham. The disease, which initially affected his legs, eventually claimed his voice by April 2024. The generic computer-generated voice he initially used was a poor substitute for his own, making communication difficult and impersonal.

Reclaiming His Voice

Through the support of Team Gleason and Bridging Voice, Brittingham was introduced to ElevenLabs. The process involved collecting past recordings of his voice to create a Professional Voice Clone, allowing him to communicate in a way that sounded authentically like him.

His wife Jessi and their children were overjoyed to hear his voice again, describing the experience as profoundly moving and healing. It was a moment that restored not just his voice, but his presence and identity within his family.

Veterans Day Message

For Brittingham, Veterans Day is a reminder of the power of community and innovation. His story is a beacon of hope for other veterans facing similar challenges, illustrating the potential of technology to restore dignity and independence.

According to recent studies, Air Force pilots are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ALS than the general population. Brittingham’s experience highlights the urgent need for accessible technologies that can aid those who have served.

Continuing the Mission

The ElevenLabs Impact Program aims to empower individuals like Brittingham, ensuring that everyone can preserve their unique voice. By integrating advanced AI with a focus on human-centered design, it provides a lifeline for those who have lost their ability to speak naturally.

This Veterans Day, the story of Lt Col Thomas Brittingham serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of technology. It underscores the importance of giving veterans their voices back, reinforcing their connection to their loved ones and their identity.

Image source: Shutterstock