Cpl Antonio Ortega

Julian, CA

Inspired by the training he received in his high school’s JROTC program, Antonio Ortega joined the Marines in 2007, planning on a lifelong military career.

On October 29, 2009, during his first combat deployment, Corporal Ortega was serving as an Infantry rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Nawa-I-Barakzai, Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee, burns on 25% of his body, scarring and skin grafts on his right arm and leg, and other injuries.

Airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany, then transported stateside to Bethesda Naval Hospital, Tony underwent multiple surgeries and completed his rehabilitation at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He medically retired from the Marine Corps in 2012.

Tony works as an X-ray technician in his local community. He enjoys camping and spending time with his wife, Cynthia, and their daughter, Isabella. His current house has narrow doorways and hallways, limiting his ability to rest and recover in his wheelchair. Stairs to the upper level and uneven surfaces throughout the home pose trip hazards when Tony is wearing his prosthetic.

A specially adapted custom HFOT home with widened hallways and doorways and carpet-free surfaces will provide a safe and secure environment for Tony to rest comfortably at home after an active day. He’s looking forward to having more time to spend with his family and the financial freedom of a mortgage-free home.

Originally from California, Tony is choosing to remain in his home state to be close to his family.

Tony is grateful to HFOT donors and supporters for the gift of his forever home. “Thank you for an amazing, life-changing donation that my family and I will enjoy for many years to come.”

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