Meet Our Warriors

U.S. Army Veteran

On July 5, 2007, while serving in Afghanistan, Army Specialist Joey Paulk survived an assault on his tactical vehicle when it was hit by three anti-tank mines, flipping it over and igniting the fuel tank. Tragically, his team leader lost his life during the attack, and Joey suffered burns to 40 percent of his body and face, smoke inhalation injuries, paralysis of his vocal cords and complete amputation of all 10 fingers. He had to re-learn how to walk, talk, swallow, and cope without full use of his hands.

U.S. Army Veteran

In 2011, during combat in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Darius Johnson was severely wounded when his squad was ambushed by gunfire. After the detonation of an improvised explosive device, Darius suffered burns to 30 percent of his body, a traumatic brain injury, a punctured lung, broken jaw, and an injury to his arm that resulted in an amputation at the shoulder. For Darius, the wounds of war were not just physical, but emotional. Despite his uncommon strength, he found himself grappling with PTSD. 

U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Veteran

“When I look back to see the reflection of who I was before I went through the program, it’s like looking through stained glass. My external self may be somewhat familiar, but the core of me has changed. Taking the tools I learned in Operation Mend and applying them has helped me reach for life again.
 

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

In 2005, while serving in Iraq, Marine Corporal Oyoana Allende was injured when her Marine convoy truck was rammed by a suicide bomber in a car wired with explosives. Five Marines were killed; 11 were wounded. Oyoana sustained second- and third-degree burns on her face, hands, and legs. After discharge from the military, Oyoana felt her limitations, both physical and emotional. Battlefield combat had ceased, but a new struggle began: to rediscover the person she was.

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

In 2005, Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez’s Humvee drove over an improvised explosive device in Ramadi, Iraq. His life story is one that epitomizes resilience and the indomitable human spirit. The explosion left him with third-degree burns over nearly 70 percent of his face and body, leading to the amputation of his right hand and loss of use of his left hand. His face was unrecognizable. Military surgeons gave Octavio the disheartening news that there was nothing more that could be done.
 

U.S. Army Veteran

“I was able to gain strength from the group. Equine therapy was a refreshing way to understand how my own actions influence how others perceive and react to me. The Buddy Program was especially beneficial. My buddy and I are still in contact. Finally, the progress checks after returning home were very beneficial and helped me ease back into my professional responsibilities.”