It was our job to sweep the main supply routes of roadside bombs and help lower the number of casualties to US and coalition forces. I was a machine gunner of the Humvee and sustained life-altering injuries because of the blast. The explosion was so catastrophic it killed my driver instantly.

Shortly after the attack, we were ambushed, and my platoon had to fight off the enemy with the use of air support while trying to render first aid. I was immobilized and suffered 2nd-degree burns, but it wasn’t until three days later that I woke up in a hospital bed and found out I had lost my left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee.

After being injured overseas, I spent two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where I learned to walk and live independently. Fast forward a few years to the present day, I started a career and worked on cars as my favorite pastime, but more importantly, I’ve learned to rehabilitate and adjust to this new way of life.

I realize my life will never be the same, but it’s not supposed to be. I’m still on my path to fulfillment and self-discovery. One of the things I enjoy doing is overcoming new challenges, which is why I favor working on cars. I love turning wrenches and learning new skill sets. My sole belief is that the only actual disability is a negative mindset, and the most significant project we’ll ever work on is ourselves.

Faces of Valor USA will be Painting a 1998 Civic Hatch back that is Marco’s dream car that is building himself and will be his everyday car.