Meet CPL Michael 'Mike' Vasquez — 2016 Veteran
CPL Michael "Mike" Vasquez graduated from OSUT at Ft. Benning, GA as an Airborne Infantryman (11B1P) in 2005.
He served in Iraq in 2007 and 2008 as an Infantryman Machine Gunner protecting civilian contractors and recovering blown up vehicles.
In 2008-2009 Mike deployed to Afghanistan as an Infantryman team leader to provide Protective Security Detail for Military Intelligence soldiers and worked as a Human Intelligence exploitation expert as a secondary role. Mike's roles as a team leader were: machine gunner, Squad Designated Marksman, multimedia exploitation expert, UGS (unmanned ground sensors/cameras) emplacer/operator and was frequently attached to two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
Mike's main role in Afghanistan was to protect the M.I. soldiers, but also to use his trained-ability to go behind enemy lines and emplace hidden and camouflaged cameras to monitor the enemy's movement and to act as a counter-IED task force team leader who helped eliminated the threat of IED emplacing Taliban and IEDs in certain areas before they could be used against coalition forces. Mike also specialized in multimedia exploitation which involved acquiring the enemy's media devices such as cell phones and hard drives and extracting vital information that led to vital intelligence and the capturing or eliminating of Taliban leaders and fighters.
On 10 July 2009 while on a mission with the 636 M.I. team and ODA 9224 Mike's vehicle was hit with RPGs and small arms fire severely injuring him in the gunner's turret and his team members inside. He continued to engage the enemy and eliminate the threat to help get other injured comrades to safety by being medevac'd. Mike was also medevac'd and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Chiari malformation (acquired), spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries.
Mike recovered at BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX and was discharged finally on 10 February 2010.
On 23 July 2013 Mike had brain surgery to help with his brain condition that was a direct result from the TBI in Afghanistan which contributed to the loss of use of both of his legs and feet. Mike is forever bound to a wheelchair now and is a paraplegic from the waist down.
Mike's military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
Mike has a Bachelors in Applied Sciences (BAS) in the field of Human Services/Psychology and is now attending Texas Tech University seeking a Bachelor's of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design while double majoring in Sculpture. He aspires to continue to help other wounded veterans who are in his similar situation and loves to advocate for VA reform to better the health care of wounded veterans. Mike also takes great pride in being an active board member and the Graphics and Media Director for "HALO For Freedom Warrior Foundation," a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that also helps wounded veterans by hosting an annual weekend excursion of activities in Texas. His hobbies include: graphic design, woodworking, exercising, riding his hand-cycle, drawing, painting, helping others, volunteering with non-profits and his church, fishing, hunting, and more than anything: spending time with his family and friends.
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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors
