Hector Martinez Perez
My father told me when I was growing up, that I can be whoever I wanted to be, so I decided to join the Military. Born, and raised in San Bernardino, CA. As a first generation Mexican American, by serving, this was my way of giving back to my country that made myself, and my family very proud.
Three weeks after I joined the US Army, the September 11th attacks happened. I was in complete shock, even to this day. I knew my overseas tour in Kuwait was going to be extended for the initial invasion of Iraq in March 2003. I wouldn't lie, I was scared, but very proud at the same time. From Thunder Run, toppling Baghdad, patrolling Saddam airport, securing the wild west town of Fallujah, and protect Abu Ghraib prison. To be part of the history, and for my children, one day, to remember that their father fought for freedom, felt patriotic.
To my second tour of Iraq in 2005, by witnessing the Iraqi people to the have the freedom for the first time to finally vote, made a difference in me. I got to train the Iraqi ING, the local police force in our sector, and protecting the Shia people living in Balad, Iraq. To being awarded the Purple Heart for my injuries during my second tour, is a daily reminder too. To thank God every day, that I got to make it home alive to count my blessings. On 4-28-05, when driving back on RTE Tampa from a successful raid mission, an IED detonated under my HMMWV. My vehicle was damaged, but still drivable. Then, a secondary IED immediately detonated, jolting my vehicle in the air from the rear, 90 degrees, on to its front tires, disabling the vehicle. Smoke, and fire filled the cabin while I was unconscious's. I woke up sustaining injuries.
That I knew after being deployed two times, risking my life, that freedom isn't free. This meant a lot to me. That's why I enlisted to defend our country, and to protect freedom at all times. That I'm now in a group of band of brothers, past, and present, that will be part of me for the rest of my life. That I'm proud to shake another veteran's hand, receive it back, and to remind them that they're not forgotten. To visit my local national cemetery, and to remember the fallen, but not forgotten brother's, and sister's that they paid the ultimate sacrifice. To explain to my daughter the meaning of our flag, its values, and to be always proud to be an American. That's why I served, and continue those traditions, as a proud Veteran, to this day.
Narrative submitted by the Purple Heart recipient.