JUSTIN AVILA

Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force
Bachelor of Science Biology and Kinesiology from Lipscomb University
Masters in PT/Sports Medicine from Belmont University

Justin Avila joined the Navy at age 23, attending Quartermaster “A” school, where he learned the basics of maritime navigation. During his service he completed deployments to South America, conducting counter-narcotics operations, and the Western Pacific before attending Naval Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman (SWCC) training. Following training he was assigned to Special Boat Team Twenty. In April 2009 Justin screened for Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

In April 2011, Justin’s troop was conducting well-deck operations with a Navy ship off the coast of Virginia. While securing his craft inside the ship, a large wave rolled through the well deck, Justin lost his footing and fell overboard. The propellers of his boat were still turning; cutting both of his legs and severing the sciatic nerve on his left leg. He was medically retired in 2013 after 2 years of intense rehabilitation.

Justin graduated from Lipscomb University in 2016 with a degree in Bachelors of Science, Biology, and Kinesiology. During his undergraduate studies, Sentinels of Freedom introduced him to a team of mentors in Nashville, TN, and provided financial assistance towards his housing costs. After completing his undergraduate degree, Justin continued his education at Belmont University with a Masters in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. He recently shared the great news with Sentinels of Freedom that he is now a Physical Therapist with DEVGRU at Dam Neck, VA. He resides in Frederick, MD with his wife Odemaris and their daughter, Sofia.