Born and raised in Texas, Army Staff Sergeant Justin Casares grew up in a tight-knit family with two younger sisters. He credits his father with teaching him leadership and protection, and his mother with showing him unconditional love and selflessness. His sisters taught him responsibility and patience. Always outside playing with his friends and cousins, Casares’ childhood was full of adventures. He enjoyed outdoor activities like riding bikes, skateboarding, camping, fishing, and working on cars with his dad. He was also a Boy Scout, which taught him to prioritize others and his community.
Compelled by the events of 9/11, Casares joined the Army in June 2007. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division and 1/143rd Airborne Regiment. He loved the brotherhood and facing challenges together with his fellow soldiers. His dedication earned Casares the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Army Air Assault Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, and The Meritorious Service Medal.
In June 2015, during airborne operations, Casares sustained severe injuries when his parachute became entangled with another soldier’s. He suffered compound fractures to his tibia and fibula, a shattered ankle, and a concussion. After nine surgeries and a year of complications, his left leg was amputated below the knee. He has undergone 29 surgeries, each requiring 3-6 months of recovery in a wheelchair.
Casares met his wife, Karli, in high school, and they reconnected on a blind date before his deployment. They maintained contact throughout his deployment and were brought together again by fate when they ended up in the same college class. Married since 2015, they are the proud parents of four children – Wyatt, James, Liam, and Evelyn. Today, Casares enjoys going to the gym, playing with his children, and spending time with his family.
Casares described the support he and his family are receiving from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as transformative, providing hope and happiness for their future by tailoring a home to his needs. Casares is grateful to live without the financial burden of a mortgage and excited to watch his children flourish in a secure home. He looks forward to becoming more involved in their community.
Army Staff Sergeant Justin Casares lives with physical limitations, but emphasizes that he does not let them hinder him from achieving his goals.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Army Staff Sergeant Justin Casares with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.