The Jimenez Family

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez

From a young age, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez knew he wanted to serve his country. A California native, Jimenez, who currently lives in Sioux Falls, S.D., grew up playing football and tennis and working on cars with his grandfather and other family members. Following his high school graduation in 2000, Jimenez earned an associate degree in automotive technology and worked in the automotive industry for about five years.

Following through on his childhood desire, Jimenez enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2005. He served seven years and 10 months, including two combat deployments: one to Iraq and another to Afghanistan. Jimenez began his career as a military police officer and advanced to the rank of staff sergeant before retiring honorably in 2013 for medical reasons.

In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Jimenez and his squad were escorting a truck carrying tents and supplies. Normally, Jimenez and his squad saw farmers working and children playing while traveling the route, but it was eerily quiet. Knowing an improvised explosive device (IED) had been detonated at that location previously, Jimenez ordered his squad to spread out. When Jimenez moved to examine a low wall on the right side of the road and clear it of explosives, an IED suddenly detonated, knocking Jimenez unconscious and throwing him across the road. He and two other injured soldiers were medevacked to the hospital in Khadahar. 

Jimenez suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), temporarily losing the use of his legs and his sight due to the injury. During his recovery, Jimenez was evaluated every two to three days. Doctors recommend he return to the United States, but Jimenez was dedicated to his platoon, returning to duty about a month after the incident.

Today Jimenez suffers from PTSD as well as ongoing hip, shoulder and back pain and injuries to his ankles and feet. In addition, he deals with tinnitus, headaches and dizziness caused by his TBI.

For his service to his country, Jimenez has been recognized with a Purple Heart, two Army Good Conduct Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, a Combat Action Medal and many more.

Jimenez met his wife, Alex, also a veteran, while they were both serving in Afghanistan. Drawn together by their service and shared friends, they got to know each other better while salmon fishing after they had returned to the U.S. They married in 2012 and are now the parents of a young son. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities, building helicopter and plane models, visiting beaches and parks, and playing miniature golf, among other activities.

Operation Finally Home is proud to partner with Lennar in providing U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family with the gift of a home in Wellington, Florida.