Oyoana Allende

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.

A few bad days turned into two years of physical and emotional ups and downs. Then Oyoana received a call from one of the doctors who had treated her at the military hospital. He put her in contact with Operation Mend. From that moment, Oyoana’s life underwent a transformation. Operation Mend, with its unwavering support and commitment, became her refuge. Oyoana had several reconstructive surgeries on her face and hands and received “unconditional support from all of the people involved with the program.”

Oyoana Allende’s story embodies courage, perseverance, and unbreakable human spirit. In the midst of adversity, Operation Mend helped Oyoana discover her own strength and experience the support of a community that refused to let her fall.