Concert to help outfit 'smart home' for Pendleton wounded warrior

The City of Temecula has given the green light of endorsement to help provide for one of America’s wounded warriors. The city council voted unanimously in January to assist and support the building of a specially-equipped ‘smart home’ in Temecula for Camp Pendleton wounded war veteran, Marine Cpl. Juan Dominguez. As part of that endorsement, actor Gary Sinise (currently of CSI: New York) and his Lt. Dan Band will hold a benefit concert for the cause on Thursday evening March 1 in Old Town Temecula.

Just prior to the council meeting announcement of endorsement, I had the distinct privilege to sit and talk with this young man about his time in uniform and both current and future endeavors. During the conversation it became very apparent this New Mexico native has lived a lot of life in his short 27 years.

Stationed at Camp Pendleton and attached to the legendary ‘Darkhorse’ 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Dominguez told me he was on his second deployment when a patrol through Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, changed his life forever.

“It was my first combat tour,” he said. “I was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan; the Sangin Valley.” The area is particularly volatile, known for its strong ties to the Taliban.

It was while working his way down an embankment that the corporal landed on top of an estimated 30 to 40 lb. roadside bomb. The resulting explosion that probably should have cost him his life, instead took both of his legs and his right arm.

Fifteen months and 23 surgeries later, the Purple Heart recipient still wears the uniform but is clearly focusing on what’s ahead.

“I’m retiring,” he said, quickly adding, “I can stay in, but I’m choosing to retire.”

You would think that Dominguez would likely want to distance himself from the memories of the last few months, but you would be wrong.

“I still want to be involved with the Marine Corps,” he said. “In February, I start an internship in a government-contracted job, teaching.” Dominguez will teach Marines about to deploy to Afghanistan, Iraq or any other combat-related areas, in the proper use of tourniquets and IED (Improvised Explosive Device) techniques.

“ how to detect and find this stuff so that what happened to me does not happen to other Marines and they can be better prepared when it does,” said Dominguez.

It is this truly selfless act that has been recognized by the City of Temecula as well as the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the task is underway to build this inspiring young serviceman a specially designed and equipped ‘smart home.’

“[Temecula] isn’t my hometown, and even being a complete stranger, they have been very welcoming,” said Dominguez. “Everyone has pitched in and officials have come together and signed all my permits right away. It’s pretty incredible.”

Sinise, who is an actor, producer, and musician known currently for his role on CSI: New York, is a longtime advocate of our military service members, disabled veteran’s, first-responders and their families. That’s why Sinise and the ‘Lt. Dan Band’ will perform a benefit concert Thursday, March 1 in Old Town Temecula.

The film and television star said it’s just another way to “recognize the heroism, sacrifice and determination’ of one of America’s finest.”

Frank Siller, who chairs the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and leads the ‘Building for America’s Bravest’ program, said, “Juan Dominguez has sacrificed so much for his country. I think it is only right that we repay him for his immense service.”

When asked what he thinks of all the attention and new found celebrity status, Dominguez just shakes his head. “It’s kind of weird.” But having an award-winning actor like Gary Sinise stepping up in support, he adds, “It’s very surreal. He’s a very nice guy.”

When reality finally begins to settle in, Dominguez said he has but one wish.

“I just hope to live a normal life. I think my life is falling into place, I think this is my opportunity to get back to normal.”

For tickets to the Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band concert, call the Old Town Temecula Community Theater toll free at (866)

653-8696.

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