CPL Roberto Cruz-Arocho

Wesley Chapel, FL

Following in the footsteps of his father, Roberto Cruz-Arocho joined the military after the 9/11 attacks.

On Aug. 14, 2005, Corporal Cruz-Arocho, on his first combat deployment, was on tower guard duty with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division when he was shot by a sniper in Tikrit, Iraq. Roberto sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury with lower extremity weakness along with damage to his left hand and forearm from the gunshot. With intense physical therapy, he has since regained the ability to walk with the assistance of a cane.

Now medically retired, Roberto enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Layza and Adriana. He is a member of the Veteran Amputee Softball Team, and also enjoys playing adapted golf and hand cycling. Although Roberto has an active lifestyle, he faces daily obstacles in his non-adapted home, which is currently wheelchair inaccessible.

Receiving a specially adapted custom home will allow Roberto to regain some of the independence he lost when he was injured. He looks forward to being able to access every room and the outside of the home from his wheelchair. The financial freedom of a donated home will allow him to focus on his daughters and support their future endeavors, as well as reduce his own stress level and give him more time to participate in the activities he enjoys.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Roberto is choosing to build his home in Florida where he currently lives.

Roberto would like HFOT donors and supporters to know their support makes dreams come true for injured Veterans and their families. “You are making a difference in our lives. This home will be a blessing for us.”

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