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.

In his current residence, Mark encounters significant challenges when preparing meals in a kitchen that lacks necessary adaptations. “Cooking meals one-handed can be difficult,” he says. In a specially adapted custom HFOT home—featuring pull-down shelving and accessible appliances—Mark will be able to cook safely and independently. “I currently have use of only the left side of my body. Modifications to accommodate my hemiparesis would greatly support my independence,” he adds.

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

Mark would like to extend his gratitude to HFOT donors and supporters for giving back to the Veteran community. “Thank you for allowing Veterans and their families to have one less burden when they are the recipients of an HFOT home.”

Ver: 10-25

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