Corporal Luis Blanco

Cpl Luis Blanco was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He started taking guitar lesson when he was 14 and progressed to the level of teaching others.He graduated from high school in 2002 and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Puerto Rico based on his musical abilities. He joined the Marine Corps in 2003.

Luis was on his third deployment to Iraq when on October 21, 2006 he and his Marines struck an IED roadside bomb.Six days later he arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and was admitted to the ICU Burn Center. He would later learn that 3 of his fellow Marine in the vehicle did not survive. Luis moved to out-patient status in December 2006, with daily physical therapy. Not knowing that Luis already knew how to play a guitar, his therapist suggested that he learn, to help with recovery of his finger and hand movement. IMSFF purchased a beautiful guitar for Luis for which he issincerely appreciative. Luis enjoys playing his new guitar every day and credits the IMSFF with how quickly his finger and hand movement have returned.