While serving on an assignment in Afghanistan on October 23, , Marine Cpl. Juan Dominguez landed on a buried bomb after slipping down an embankment and lost both of his legs and his right arm in an explosion.
On the way to the hospital, Juan prayed that "if it was God's will, then take me now. But it was not his time to die. Despite Juan's injuries, multiple surgeries, and grueling occupational and physical therapy sessions, he is thriving: Juan says "The Taliban's purpose was to kill me, but I survived.
My injuries that I sustained in Afghanistan against the enemy forces were well worth it. I love this country". To help aid in his recovery, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its partner, the Gary Sinise Foundation , are donating a new "smart home" for him to share with his wife, Alexis, and his daughter, Victoria.
Juan adds "I consider this foundation like part of my family, They've taken great care of me, with no strings attached, and I couldn't have asked for more". The house is specially built to allow Juan to lead as independent a lifestyle as possible. It's features include kitchen cabinets and shelves that lower for easy access to items, an elevator, and doors that automatically open as part of an electronic-sensor system run from an iPad. A pool will be installed soon where he can continue his therapy.
One of Juan's favorite spaces in his new home is the music room. Juan plays the drums, guitar piano and in his home studio he can enjoy his musical passions. Before that I was a trumpet and guitar player. I even played bass". After his accident Juan taught himself the drums and piano so he could continue composing music while he says "guitar was a faded frustrating memory".
