Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Ep.97 Marine; IED Explosion; 70% Body Burned; Amputations, & Moving Through Depression-Anthony’s American Story
Anthony Villarreal was born in 1986 in Lubbock, Texas. He was born into a family with a strong military history; army, navy, and airforce.
Anthony grew up playing football. He had every intention of becoming a NFL player.
Like so many others, September 11, 2001 was a pivotal day for the 16 year old. Anthony's protective nature drew him to the military.
Anthony joined the marines before high school graduation.
1st Deployment Fallujah, Iraq 7 months
2nd Deployment Outside Fallujah, Iraq
3rd Deployment Afghanistan
It is June 20, 2008, Anthony's last patrol before his deployment ends. He is on his way to meet up with combat transportation, those tasked with getting supplies to the troops.
After retrieving supplies, Anthony's vehicle hits an IED, which rips through the belly of the vehicle.
Anthony is medevacked to San Antonio TX, where he remains in a medically induced coma for 3 months.
Anthony wakes up, not recognizing the face looking back at him in the mirror. His injuries are life altering: 3rd degree burns cover 70% of his body; eyelids and ears are gone; right arm amputated; all fingers on left hand are amputated down to first knuckle with exception of pinky which is completely amputated; lower back hair line fracture; and a right drop foot.
Anthony's extensive injuries require 70+ surgeries. He quit counting.
Not surprising, when Anthony was finally released from the hospital, he went through a period of severe depression. He felt worthless and hopeless. How was he to provide for his family, to be a man?
Anthony's journey out of depression started with his first Wounded Warrior event.
Anthony's family was gifted with a specially adapted home by the Texas Home Builders Association. It was a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders.
Anthony raises money for veteran affairs by playing games on twitch. https://www.twitch.tv/wawowdirty3rd
If you want to help our veterans, Anthony suggests the following:
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