Marine Staff Sergeant Guillermo Tejada grew up around cars and his dream had always been to own a Camaro. A career Marine, SSgt Tejada had become accustomed to making sacrifices. With a growing family, he would have to put aside his dream and go to work at other passions, being a United States Marine, a father and a loving husband. Things changed dramatically for the 31 year old Marine on November 11, 2010.
Serving in Afghanistan in America’s war on terror, Tejada was leading his men through a rough area where there were known combatants. As the platoon sergeant, Tejada was the most experienced in military tactics and had more familiarity with the area than many of his Marines. Leading from the front, Staff Sergeant Tejada selflessly took a position close to the point where he could guide his men and keep them out of harm’s way.
Covercraft designed a car cover that commemorated the Wounded Warrior Project Car.
Without warning, Tejada’s platoon was hit with an explosion from an IED. He knew instantly that he was in trouble and a likely wave of small weapons fire would be coming in to their position shortly. The Staff Sergeant’s legs were gone and his crew worked to stabilize the wounded leader. “Things went from bad to worse,” says Tejada, “The enemy was firing from different directions and closing in. We were in a real bad spot. I didn’t think we were going to make it out.”
Tejada continued to co-ordinate the defensive attack for the two hour fire fight. “I knew that my Marines were taking care of me and I needed to take care of them,” he said. When the area was controlled, a MEDIVAC helicopter removed Tejada from the battle zone and he was taken to a care unit where he could be stabilized. But the damage was done. The leader of Marines had lost both of his legs above the knee.
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Watch the CBS Los Angeles video report HERE!
Thank you, Staff Sergeant Tejada!
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