Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a non-profit organization has invited the Patriot Guard to attend the Key Turning Ceremony for US Army SPC Jose Martinez, Wounded Warrior, in Apple Valley, CA and we are honored to do so.
On March 3, 2012, Army Specialist Jose Martinez was on a foot patrol with members of the 2/3 Infantry Division on in Kandahar, Afghanistan. While attempting to aid a Soldier seriously injured in a blast, he stepped on another improvised explosive device (IED). The subsequent explosion resulted in the loss of both legs, his right arm and partial amputation of his left hand. SPC Martinez remained conscious throughout the ordeal while his teammates worked heroically to save his life, readying him for airlift to the hospital.
SPC Martinez endured dozens of invasive surgeries and months of aggressive therapies in the months that followed his injury. The most frustrating aspect of his recovery, he says, was the recurring infections that seem to set in just as he was making strides in learning to walk on prosthetics.
Now medically retired, Jose is married to his wife Liseth, who has been by his side throughout his recovery. The two currently live in a second-floor apartment, which is not wheelchair accessible. SPC Martinez suffered a right hip disarticulation that makes balancing and walking difficult, and requires him to spend more time in his wheelchair due to fatigue and soreness. Jose would like to be able to navigate his wheelchair around a full size kitchen where he can enjoy cooking once again, and not worry about reaching for ingredients or utensils in high cabinets. Additionally, he faces daily challenges with his current bathroom when transitioning from the shower back to his wheelchair. The freedom he would receive from a specially adapted home would address all of these concerns.
Jose has several buddies who are HFOT home recipients, and he has witnessed firsthand their newfound independence by watching them freely access hallways, cabinets and other features in their homes. He cannot wait until he and Liseth have that same freedom. Says Jose, “I’m only getting older, so if I can make my life easier for me and my wife, that would be amazing.”
In his spare time, Jose enjoys exercising, swimming, surfing and cheering on his favorite team- the LA Lakers. He would like to be self-employed and work in the stock market. With a mortgage-free home and access to pro-bono financial planning services offered to him through Homes for Our Troops, he is well on his way to starting his career and rebuilding his life. Jose and Liseth would like to thank everyone who is involved with this home build project. Says Jose, “The support everyone have given us makes me have faith in mankind.”
The Patriot Guard will meet, brief, at the initial staging area for the procession. If you wish to participate and meet our Hero, he is expected to meet us at our staging site and we can shake hands and learn how he is doing.
We will then bring SPC Martinez to the home site. HFOT encourages all supporters to line the street to help welcome this Veteran to his new home. Distinguished guests will address the audience during the ceremony. At the conclusion, SPC Martinez will be given the keys to his specially adapted home. After the Ceremony guests are welcome to tour the home.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family to the site of his new home. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Saturday, 12 MAR 16: 0900 - Stage at Apple Valley Town Hall, 14955 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/SmJWnUuApJ82 0915 - Mission briefing
0950 - KSU to the home site
1000 - Ceremony and Key presentation
R/C Ernie "Casper" Kopasz
SoCal Pgr Ride CaptainUSAF/CANG Vet/LEO (Ret)
erniepgr@aol.com
760-963-8971
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your congratulations and thank yous to the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?414860 
