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Staff Sgt Gabe Garriga (ARMY) From Chicago IL Age 22
On July 14, 2003, just weeks after his unit was deployed to Iraq, Garriga was horribly injured while helping defend a checkpoint outside Baghdad. Sgt Garriga was manning the gun turret of a Humvee when his vehicle crashed and burst into flames.
Garriga suffered second and third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body. Gabe's injuries were life-threatening and he was given a one percent chance of survival by his doctors. Gabe's recovery was extremely difficult. Gabe died three times during his recovery. He was nearly suffocated by his internal organs that had swollen due to the severity of his burns. While at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, Gabe relearned how to sit up, walk, and breathe again. Sergeant Garriga beat the odds and is on the road to recovery.
Gabe spent approximately 20 months at BAMC, undergoing 30 surgeries and months of indescribable pain. During that time Gabe worked for the hospital's public affairs division helping other soldiers recovering from their injuries. Gabe's spirit, heart, and sheer will to live is an inspiration to us all.
The Wounded Heroes Foundation, with the assistance of numerous donations and the guidance from partner associations, has been able to provide Sgt Garriga with a home in Zion, IL.
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