United States Marine Corps Sergeant Jesus Vasquez Jr. was born and raised in East Los Angeles, California alongside his younger sister. His father passed away when Vasquez was just fifteen years old, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Vasquez stepped up to help his mother in his father’s absence, and cites his father’s strength and determination as the reason for his own resilience and positivity. As a child, Vasquez enjoyed running, even competing in the Los Angeles Marathon in high school. Additionally, he loved observing the motorcycle culture in California. Vasquez met his wife, Penney, through a mutual friend and have been married for fifteen years, and have welcomed four beautiful daughters.
As a teenager, Vasquez was advised that joining the military would afford him many unique opportunities and provide him the ability to help his mother, and thus joined the United States Marine Corps in March 2001. Just six months later, while Vasquez was in jump school, the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001, a day he would never forget. Vasquez served as a Parachute Rigger with the 2nd Force Recon Company under 2nd Recon Battalion, 2nd Force Recon Company II MEF, and 2nd Special Operations Battalion, MARSOC. Motivated by his desire to make a career of his military service, Vasquez strived to be the best he could possibly be, deploying overseas to fight terrorism and perform humanitarian missions, as well as completing Freefall Parachute training to become a Jumpmaster. Vasquez loved the feeling of freefalling, and the camaraderie he shared with his fellow marines who grew to feel more like family.
Vasquez’s initial injury occurred during a parachute training accident in which he sustained a concussion and a fractured leg that required surgery. The injury was further complicated by a motorcycle accident about nine months later. His injured leg failed to heal properly due to an infection and rejection to the plates and screws they had placed, thus resulting in an amputation after more than twenty surgeries. His recovery was lengthy, as the infection in his leg had spread to the bone, requiring many rounds of antibiotics, surgeries, and skin grafts until the eventual amputation. Vasquez had to relearn to walk, and still has no feeling in his leg.
Currently, Vasquez lives in Eastern North Carolina with his wife, Penney, and their four daughters. He enjoys working on old cars and motorcycles with friends, and hopes to own a second generation Monte Carlo someday in honor of his father, who owned one when he was young. He also enjoys traveling with his family and helping other veterans when he can. Vasquez regards his wife, Penney, as his biggest supporter and advocate, and she currently serves as an advocate for veterans, assisting them with their benefits and helping them to find resources to get the help they need. Of the donation of a mortgage-free smart home through the Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program, Vasquez states that he and his family are blessed to have received the financial and emotional assistance. Having an accessible home will change his life, removing the obstacles he once faced attempting to navigate around his home, such as stairs and lack of space for his wheelchair. He also is thankful that his family will have a permanent, safe home to live in as he regains some of his day-to-day independence. Vasquez would like others to know that no matter what, you must not give up, and there will always be people who care for you.