LCpl Michael Gonzales

Godley, TX

In 2008, Michael Gonzales enlisted in the Marines to serve his country, drawn to the camaraderie and brotherhood of the elite fighting force.

On June 12, 2010, during his first combat deployment, Lance Corporal Gonzales was serving as an Infantry rifleman with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division in Garmsir Province, Afghanistan, when he was injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast after a three-day fight with enemy forces. He sustained the loss of his left leg above the knee, right leg limb salvage, loss of his left eye, internal injuries, burns on 25% of his body, and other injuries.  

Airlifted to Camp Leatherneck for stabilization and blood infusions, Mike was transported to Landstuhl, Germany for additional surgeries. After ten months of rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, he was transferred to Balboa Naval Medical Center for additional care.

Mike and his daughter enjoy 4×4 off-roading together, as well as traveling, camping, and fishing. As active as they are in the great outdoors, their current indoor environment is restrictive—the non-adapted home has narrow doorways and hallways, with a small kitchen and bathroom. Mike has difficulty navigating from room to room in his wheelchair and often worries about falling when transitioning into the shower, which requires him to hop into for access.

A specially adapted custom HFOT home with an open floor plan, including wider hallways and doorways, will give Mike the ability to navigate the entire home from his wheelchair. The wheelchair-accessible roll-in shower reduces the risk of slipping on a wet floor, and the therapy tub will provide options for him to rest and recover from his injuries. He’s also looking forward to the ability to easily access the outside of the home and the garage to develop 4×4 prototypes aimed at providing Veterans with off-roading therapy, a business he’s interested in launching to give back to the community.

Originally from Utah, Mike is choosing to build his home in Texas to be close to his daughter and his medical team.  

Mike is grateful to HFOT donors and supporters for their time and effort. “It’s easy to feel alone once you’re done with service. A lot of people will say thank you, but some will go above and beyond to show it. I am grateful that you give from your heart and take action to make this possible for us.”

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