"Artistic Tools" Recipients

 

Jorge Deleon (September 2009)
“The reason I want to learn how to play a guitar is because I’ve always loved the instrument and also is very fun to use at parties and reunions with my family and friends. I think that the guitar will keep me busy and will nurture my creative side. While in Afghanistan and then recovering in the hospital, music was the constant morale booster in my life. When my family and friends could not be there, I always had music to keep my hopes up and my spirits high. I feel learning to play guitar will give me the chance to play for other wounded service members recovering in the hospital and doing the same for them that music did for me. My biggest dream would be able to play on stage one day in front of thousands.” Jorge joined the U. S Army in 2001 after eight years on the police force in Puerto Rico. On his fourth deployment to Afganistan in April 2004, Jorge and his unit were on ther way back to camp after a patrol through the region. Jorge was drivng a Humvee, the lead vehicle of the convoy when it ran over an anti-tank mine. Having taken the full brunt of the mine, Jorge was the only one injured in the explosion. He lost his right leg immediately in the explosion and his left leg was severely injured. He underwent a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and now wears a computer-controlled prosthetic leg. He now resides in Texas with his wife and three young children.