KYLE GARCIA

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from San Francisco State University
Juris Doctor from School of Law at the Washington University in St. Louis

Kyle enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17. His interest in serving his country was not surprising given that his grandfather, his four uncles and a sister have all served in the military.

Kyle deployed to Iraq twice, the second time as the only Marine scout sniper in his company. During his third deployment, this time to Afghanistan, Kyle was leading a dismounted patrol when a pressure plate improvised explosive device detonated under his left foot. The blast amputated his left leg and severely injured his right leg. Still, he remained conscious and coordinated his own medical evacuation. Kyle retained command of his squad until support arrived. After multiple lifesaving surgeries, Kyle returned to the US, where he received physical therapy treatments.

SOF financially and personally supported Kyle through his journey. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from San Francisco State University and is currently attending the School of Law at the Washington University in St. Louis. SOF connected Kyle with mentors during college and before he moved to Missouri to help him with the transition.

He recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Juris Doctor and proudly gives back to his fellow Sentinels by serving as a board member for Sentinels of Freedom. Jason works as State Counsel for US Senator Ron Johnson. Additionally, he speaks around the country to various schools, companies, and organizations about overcoming adversity and the power of a positive attitude.