Sgt. Gabriel Martinez

Denver, CO

Marine Sergeant Gabe Martinez was on his 2nd deployment when he lost both of his legs after stepping on an IED in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2010. While conducting a route clearance mission, a vehicle in the convoy hit an IED; Sgt. Martinez and his team immediately began a foot patrol in search of any enemy in the area. As he approached the side of the disabled vehicle, Sgt. Martinez stepped on a second IED, causing the traumatic amputations of both of his legs.

During the next moments, a third IED detonated, seriously injuring another Marine who was trying to assist Sgt. Martinez. Airlifted to a local military hospital, Gabe was next transported to Landstuhl, Germany before making his way to Bethesda National Medical Center in Maryland, and eventually Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California where he continues receiving treatments at this time.

Sgt. Martinez enjoys spending time with his family and his wife, Kayla. They hope to raise a large family of their own in the near future. Gabe enjoys outdoor recreation and many sports including hand-cycling and biking, and participates in marathons and triathlons. Pursuing a degree to become a prosthetist, Gabe would like to work with amputees to help them regain their mobility and independence.

Sgt. Martinez would like to thank all of the donors and volunteers who will make his specially adapted home from Homes for Our Troops a reality. "Having a specially adapted home will lift the burden of worry and discomfort by bringing safety and convenience to my daily life and help us feel at home. The support and hard work of so many people so generously offering their time and donations is a comfort and a blessing, letting us know that others truly care."