SGT Emmanuel Melendez-Diaz

Poolesville, MD

Mission Accomplished on Jan. 29, 2022

Emmanuel “Manny” Melendez-Diaz always felt a calling to join the military. He enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman in 2003.

On Dec. 4, 2004, in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Sergeant Melendez-Diaz was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division on a road clearance patrol when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED). This resulted in damage to his right leg, severe nerve damage in his left foot, severe pulmonary disease, and severe intestinal damage. In March 2006, doctors amputated Manny’s right leg above the knee. He was medically discharged from the Army in May 2007.

Now medically retired, Manny enjoys handcycling, kayaking, and pursuing his goals for the future. Many of those plans were put on hold due to the daily limitations he experienced in his previous home.

Manny is relieved to finally have wheelchair access and a yard after receiving his specially adapted custom HFOT home. He no longer has to deal with the daily frustration of damaging walls with his wheelchair. He is thrilled to be able to prepare meals in the home’s fully accessible kitchen.

Manny chose to live in Maryland to eliminate long travel times to the hospital and improve access to his medical care.

He thanks the HFOT donors and supporters for their generosity. “Thank you for helping me to be closer to the hospital, get my medical care easier, and regain mobility in my house.”

Related articles:

• FOX 5 DC, July 17, 2021 – Rebuilding Veteran lives one donated home at a time. That was the goal on Saturday as the non-profit, Homes For Our Troops announced the building of a specially adapted home for a Montgomery County Army Sergeant who was injured in Iraq.