Sergeant Joel Tavera

Army Sergeant Joel Tavera of Havelock, North Carolina (originally from Queens, NY) was deployed to Iraq in the fall of 2007. He was just 19 years of age. Prior to enlisting in the Army, Joel first fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams; he became an active member of the brotherhood of volunteer firefighters. He spent over two years serving as a volunteer fireman, before following in his father’s footsteps by serving the country in the military. Joel’s father served the country in the United States Marine Corps.

In March of 2008, the Humvee that Joel was riding in was hit by five rockets. The blasts killed three men. Joel was thought to be dead as well. Tragically, Sgt. Tavera lost sight in both of his eyes, his right leg, four fingers on his left hand, and suffered very serious head trauma and critical burns to 60 percent of his body. His parents, Jose and Maritza, have been told that their son is the second most severely injured Army soldier to survive since the war in Iraq began. Joel received The Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Doctors, nurses, hospital officials, friends and fellow soldiers; and anyone else who has met Sgt. Tavera, all feel that he is a veritable inspiration to all he meets. His will, his passion for life, along with his extraordinary spirit and perseverance, serve as an example for anyone who is facing difficult times. He is a kind-hearted, shining light to those he comes in contact with -- in many ways a true American hero! Andrew Pujol visited at the James A. Haley Polytrauma Center in Tampa, Fl. Andy Pujol announced to the Tavera family that they will be the recipient of a home in Central Florida provided by Building Homes for Heroes.

-Ground was broken March 25 for a home in the Grand Hampton community for the severely injured Iraq war veteran who turned 24 the day before the ceremony.

-The $325,000 home, with special modifications, was made possible through the nonprofit BuildingHomesforHeroes.org, along with contributions from the builder, William Ryan Homes, and local firefighters, contractors and others.

-"This is a private, gated community," Tavera said to about 100 supporters gathered onsite for the ceremony, which included former New York City police officer Daniel Rodriguez, who sang "God Bless America.", and Founder Andrew Pujol.

-"Who would have thought that they would have gotten me a home here," he said to guests. They included doctors who treated him, military officers, representatives of the builder, firefighters, two other house recipients and even two therapy dogs Tavera had hugged during recovery.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qAlrDffLVc&feature=player_embedded#at=27

All information provided by: http://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/hero-stories/joel-tavera.htm