Patrick L. Zeigler, Jr. was born May 31, 1981 in Jacksonville, FL. Both of his parents were active-duty Navy personnel. After the death of his mother in 1986, he was raised in North and Central Florida with his father and sister. He graduated with a B.S. in International Affairs from Florida State University in 2004. In March 2005, he enlisted as a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army.

In October 2006, he participated in the Troop Surge in Iraq. After being selected for Officers Candidate School on November 5, 2009, he was shot four times during the Fort Hood Massacre. Along with thirty-two others, he survived and spent the next ten years recovering from the gunshot wound to his right temple. He is permanently handicapped and currently lives in Daytona Beach Shores, FL.

He continues to recover and enjoys spending time with his 10-year-old son, Liam Patrick Zeigler.