United States Army Sergeant Omar Avila was raised in Brownsville, Texas and joined the U.S. Army in 2004 as an Infantryman, deploying to Iraq in 2007. On May 14, 2007, his vehicle was struck with a 200 lb. IED, resulting in burns to 75% of his body and amputation below the knee of his right leg.
Upon retiring from the U.S. Army in 2010, Avila never allowed his injuries to slow his success. Powering through his injuries, he became the current world record holder for the World Association of Bench and Deadlift in the Paralympics category. He also started his own consulting firm, 5 Toes, and dedicated his life to serving his fellow veterans.
Avila currently lives in New Braunfels, Texas and now serves as a board member for warfighter scuba helping other wounded warriors through their recovery process as well. He continues to motivate wounded veterans and seeks to educate the public about veteran issues through numerous public speaking events and is a sought after motivational speaker. A lifelong avid hunter, Omar also spreads his passion for the outdoors by assisting wounded veterans.
In honor of United States Army Sergeant Omar Avila’s life of service dedicated to his country and his fellow veterans, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided him with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.