ssgt omar milan

Mansfield, TX

Mission Accomplished on Sept. 29, 2018

During his third tour on Jan. 9, 2012, Marine Staff Sergeant Omar Milan, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, was conducting post-blast analysis in support of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines in the Nawa District of Afghanistan, when he was in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The blast resulted in the loss of SSgt Milan’s right leg, significant injuries to his left leg, loss of fingers on his left hand and damage to his right arm among other injuries.

After enduring 40 surgeries and physical therapy for two years, Omar was medically retired in 2014. He and his wife, Michelle, have two daughters. He says his specially adapted custom HFOT home helps him and his family tremendously.

Omar founded a woodworking business called The Box Fin Woodshop, where he sells his own handcrafted woodworking items. He is involved with the nonprofit organization, Spirit of a Hero. Michelle works as a certified pharmacy technician. Omar loves woodworking and says it helps him deal with stress. In his previous home, there was not enough space for him to work on projects while in his wheelchair. His HFOT allows him to access every part of the home. He also enjoys fishing, video games and spending time with his family.

Omar chose to build his home in his hometown of Mansfield, Texas, for its excellent school district.

Omar is thankful to everyone who contributed to his build project. “My family and I are forever grateful for everything and every single person who make this possible.”

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  • The CW33, April 29, 2018 Saturday morning, the Dallas Cowboys brought a $50,000 donation from the NFL to Homes For Our Troops.  The presentation was part of a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Homes For Our Troops’ latest recipient, Marine Staff Sergeant and Mansfield native Omar Milan, who was injured in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2012. Read more.