Jose Sanchez, a Marine and Texas native, crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon to thunderous applause. He is one of 30,000 runners that participated in the marathon this year; the veteran stood out because Sanchez is an amputee.
He was wounded in Afghanistan in 2011 and spent the next few years as a shut-in. After arriving home, Sanchez described himself as antisocial and was unable to relate to life after the military.
Sanchez’s buddies sent him a care package after his injury that Sanchez refused to open for five years. When he finally did, he found a folded American Flag with inspirational messages and notes from his brothers in arms.
After Sanchez saw the flag everything changed for Sanchez… it gave him new life and a new mission.
That’s when he began training for his biggest race yet, the Boston Marathon. After months upon months of hard work and intense training, the day finally came.
The veteran carried his buddies’ flag to honor the friends who walked alongside him as he battled through anger and depression.
The flag also served as a beacon to his cause, the Semper Fi Fund.
“The Semper Fi Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post 9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities. We work to ensure that no one is left behind.”
In the video below, you’ll see a freshly motivated Sanchez in the final feet of the Boston Marathon.
When Sanchez neared the finish, the crowd began building their encouragement until the cheers drowned out everything else.
Check out the incredible moment he crosses the line below.
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