SGT LUIS ALVARADO

San Antonio, TX

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ON JAN. 16, 2016

 
Army Sergeant Luis Alvarado enlisted shortly after high school as an Infantryman. He first deployed with the 4th BCT, 4th ID in 2005 to Iraq. He again deployed to Iraq with the 1st Calvary Division. On his third deployment, with the 1st 5BCT, 25th ID, he lost both of his legs and sustained a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Nov. 14, 2011.

While on a morning mission that involved clearing a road leading into Kandahar, an IED was detonated near a group of Soldiers. SGT Alvarado, the only Soldier injured in the explosion, remained conscious throughout the ordeal, laughing and joking with his teammates as they worked feverishly to prepare him for the MEDEVAC. Airlifted to Kandahar, Luis sustained a cardiac arrest in-flight, requiring that his chest be opened and his heart pumped manually in order to resuscitate him. Arriving at the hospital where he was eventually stabilized, SGT Alvarado was next transported to Landstuhl, Germany where his parents joined him.

Next airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Luis remained there for five months. He was then transferred to the James A. Haley VA in Tampa for neurological rehabilitation for ten months and now continues receiving treatments and therapies at San Antonio.

Prior to his injuries, Luis enjoyed running, weightlifting, camping, computers, and video games. He loves football and his favorite NFL team is the Green Bay Packers. Luis hopes to return to school and finish his college degree in psychology. He is interested in assisting other service members who may be in similar situations to his, especially those who may not have a strong family support network.  He would like to be a “family support” for them.

Luis continues to make significant progress on his road to recovery. Luis and his parents moved into their specially adapted home where he lives barrier-free in January 2016. Luis has adapted well to his new surroundings, and goes out in the morning to look at the flag, and enjoys the afternoon sun and the deer wandering through on his patio.

Luis and his parents would like to thank those who made this home a reality. “Luis is indeed a national Hero, during his two tours to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, he demonstrated his love for country…especially his love for his Soldiers. Luis is a young man with a caring heart who is willing to sacrifice himself in order for others to be safe. We wholeheartedly thank you for your support to him,” says Luis’ parents, Sonia and Julio Alvarado.