The Dominguez Family

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, U.S. Army Sgt. Marco A. Dominguez joined the military on February 2, 1999. During his time in service, Dominguez served as both Military Police and a combat engineer.

Dominguez served on two deployments to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2004 to 2005 and again in June 2006. In September 2006, during his second deployment to Baghdad, Dominguez and his unit were responsible for improving Iraqi police operations. During that time, he was injured in an attack that was initiated when an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) struck his military vehicle.

Dominguez sustained blast and burn injuries while trapped inside the vehicle. Fortunately, his driver was able to save him and his gunner who had lost his right leg. After escaping the ambush with no friendly casualties, Dominguez and his gunner were transported to Laundstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany before being transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He eventually landed at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he received burn care and rehabilitation. He is still in therapy to cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As a result of Dominguez’s bravery in service, he has been honored with numerous awards including two Purple Hearts, five Army Achievement medals and three Army Good Conduct medals. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife, Tami, and three children, Nicholas, 12; Adrian, 6; and Isabella, 5. Tammi is training to become a sonogram technician and Dominguez hopes to one day finish his degree in psychology.

They have been dreaming of a fresh start in a climate conducive to Mario’s healing – so Denver would be perfect! Thanks to Operation FINALLY HOME and Wonderland Homes, they have a home to call their own in Denver, CO.