USMC SGT. RETIRED JULIAN P. TORRES

I was born on December 10, 1987 in California's farm freckled Central Valley. Six months after graduating from high school I enlisted and went to United States Marine Corps Recruit training in January 2007. I graduated that March from MCRD San Diego. The following April, I was to report to the School of Infantry Camp Pendleton CA to earn my original Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) of 0331 Infantry.

2nd Battalion 6th Marines, who I was deeply proud to serve with and prepared to stand and fight with for a long time finally got orders to do our part in Operation Enduring Freedom. Our orders sent us to the township of Marjah within the Helmand Providence Afghanistan. But less than a month later my life was changed forever when the reality of combat in that section took both my legs.

On the Morning of July 15, 2010 I got MEDEVAC (medically evacuated) to Camp Dwyer, then to Camp Bastion, recovered in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Germany. I finally made it to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland, in just three days. I checked in to the Wounded Warrior Battalion West Detachment San Diego in September 2010.

I am a double amputee, my right amputation is above the knee (rAKA) and left amputation is below the knee (lBKA). Recoveries from such wounds are often delayed and prolonged, but not mine. My advancements were: first, left leg and a walker, then, both legs and a walker, next, both legs and two canes, and lastly no canes at all which is where I'm at now.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, my rock, and my best friend, who is the very best constant in my life Miss Ashley. We are blessed with two children, a son Jj who never misses a chance to light up a room with laughter or a conversation and our little diva Analicia.

I am now medically retired from the Marine Corps in September 2013.