A Tampa-area Army veteran and survivor of a rocket attack in Iraq in 2008 can enjoy a little more mobility and freedom, thanks to the efforts of national non-profit Help our Military Heroes.
- Army Staff Sgt. Joel Tavera, U.S. Army (ret.) was critically wounded on what was to be his final mission in Iraq in 2008
- Tavera and his family presented with a new minivan adapted to his needs by Help our Military Heroes (HOMH) and MobilityWorks
When Joel Tavera walks into a room, you take notice. He is a man who has overcome a great deal in 28 short years.
“There’s been a lot of barriers given to me,” Tavera said. “I was told I was not going to walk, not going to talk.”
In 2008, the Army veteran was on his final mission in Iraq when a rocket hit the SUV he and his unit were riding in. The attack left Tavera blind and severely burned over more than half his body. He also lost a leg, part of his skull and several fingers.
It took a year and a half of recovery in the hospital before he could go home. Still, Joel said he never gave up.
“One mountain at a time,” Tavera said.
Now, more than 100 surgeries later, Tavera is more active than ever. He enjoys golfing, hunting and even sky diving.
On Friday, Tavera and his family were presented with a new minivan, adapted to all his needs. The BraunAbility Toyota Sienna was gifted to him by Help our Military Heroes (HOMH) and the Tampa company MobilityWorks.
HOMH has donated more than 60 adapted minivans to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans since its inception in 2009. This past February, they donated a van to Army Sgt 1st. Class Sua Tuimaleliifano and his family.
Tavera said it’s just one more thing that will keep him moving.
“I get a lot of freedom. I can get out and about,” Tavera said. “Whether it’s a friend taking me out to the farm or Dad taking me out on a hunt or Mom just taking me out to run errands in town.”
Or to class at the University of Tampa, where Tavera is studying history and cyber security. Tavera made 'Dean’s List' this past semester and expects to graduate by 2020.