SSgt Dominic Fernandez

Lakeville, MN

Mission Accomplished on Dec. 5, 2020

 
On July 22, 2010, Marine Staff Sergeant Dominic Fernandez, an Infantry unit leader, was relieving British Soldiers with the 3^rd Battalion, 7^th Marines, in Sangin, Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during an enemy attack. The blast resulted in the loss of his right leg, damage to his back, and right arm neuropathy.

While recovering, Dominic’s wound became infected, which required doctors to further amputate his right leg above the knee. The damage to his back required him to wear a neck brace for eight months. Dominic experiences back pain and numbness in his arm due to the nerve damage he sustained.

Now medically retired, Dominic enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with his four children and his wife. He says his specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home enables him to be a better husband and father. In his previous living situation, showering and cooking were difficult for Dominic since his wheelchair did not fit in the bathroom or kitchen, and wearing his prosthetic for extended periods of time is painful. Dominic does not have to deal with these daily obstacles in his HFOT home which has lower countertops and a roll-in shower, giving him more energy for family and continuing school. “Having so many accommodations lessens the burdens that affect my life,” he says. “This enables me to take on more tasks throughout the day, like more hours in class, and makes it easier for me to care for my youngest son.”

Originally from San Antonio, Dominic chose to build his home in Minnesota for the area’s excellent public school system and he enjoys all four seasons. His wife grew up in the area as well.

Dominic and his family cannot believe there are organizations like HFOT. “HFOT’s donors don’t know us, but they helped give us the ultimate gift of freedom and independence,” he says.

related articles:

• Sun This Week, Oct. 19, 2020 Homes For Our Troops, a national nonprofit that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans across the country, dedicated a new home for Marine Staff Sgt Dominic Fernandez on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Lakeville. Read more.