SSgt Mark Juarez

Floresville, TX

In 2000, Mark Juarez enlisted in the Marine Corps, inspired by his family’s legacy of military service.

On September 11, 2010, on his fifth combat deployment, Staff Sergeant Juarez was serving as an Infantry platoon sergeant with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force in Sangin City, Afghanistan, when he was shot in the head by a sniper while throwing a smoke grenade, which subsequently detonated in his hand. He suffered third-degree burns to his arm, right side hemiparesis, seizure disorder, partial vision and hearing loss, internal and back injuries, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

He was airlifted to Kandahar Airfield before transferring to Landstuhl, Germany. Stateside, he underwent additional surgery at Bethesda Naval Hospital and received extensive outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Mark is a proud father to Elisabeth, Ella, and Emily. He enjoys hunting and volunteers with several Veteran organizations and his local church.

Originally from Texas, Mark is choosing to remain in his home state.

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