Marine Lance Cpl. Jorge Ortiz was on his first deployment to Afghanistan when he lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in 2011.
"I'm fortunate to wake up every morning," the humble Marine said. “I just have to keep pushing for those who never made it back home.”
Sunday Ortiz was honored by the nonprofit “Homes for Our Troops” with the keys to his new accessible home in Valley Center.
The house has many features that make it easier for Ortiz to get around like lower light switches, wider hallways and doors that open with the push of a button.
LCpl cut the ribbon and raised the American flag in front of his home before going inside.
“I don't have to jump through loops, basically an obstacle course to get where I want to be at,” LCpl Jorge said about his home.
“Failure is not an option for me,” he told NBC 7. “Just have to keep driving every day.”
Local
Already planning for the future LCpl Ortiz said he and his wife Aiyanna are hoping to have children.
