In 2011, Jorge Ortiz was in his first tour of Afghanistan as a marine when he was hit by an IED bomb, which cost him both of his legs.
Five years later, Ortiz is the recipient of a custom-built house from the non-profit “Homes for Our Troops.”
The house has features designed for a person in a wheelchair, such as lower light-switches, wider halls, and doors that open with the push of a button.
“I’m fortunate to wake up every morning,” Ortiz told NBC San Diego. “I just have to keep pushing for those who never made it back home.”
In a ceremony, Ortiz cut the ribbon and raised the American flag outside his home before going inside. He said the process of getting the home was a smooth one. The nonprofit “Homes for Our Troops” honored Ortiz with the new home.
“I don’t have to jump through loops, basically an obstacle course to get where I want to be at,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz is married, and said that he and his wife Aiyanna plan to have children soon.
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