Juan Dominguez


Location: Temecula, CA

Challenge: Triple Amputee

Website: https://www.facebook.com/theresilientbandofficial

While serving on an assignment in Afghanistan on October 23, 2010, Marine Cpl. Juan Dominguez landed on a buried bomb after slipping down an embankment and lost both of his legs and his right arm in an explosion.

On the way to the hospital, Juan prayed that "if it was God's will, then take me now." Juan was at peace with losing his life in that moment. But it was not his time to die.

Despite Juan's injuries, multiple surgeries, and grueling occupational and physical therapy sessions, he is thriving: Juan says "The Taliban's purpose was to kill me, but I survived. My injuries that I sustained in Afghanistan against the enemy forces were well worth it. I love this country".

To help aid in his recovery, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its partner, the Gary Sinise Foundation, are donating a new "smart home" for him to share with his wife, Alexis, and his daughter, Victoria.

Juan and his family received the house on September 11 2012.

Juan adds "I consider this foundation like part of my family, They've taken great care of me, with no strings attached, and I couldn't have asked for more". The house is specially built to allow Juan to lead as independent a lifestyle as possible. It's features include kitchen cabinets and shelves that lower for easy access to items, an elevator, and doors that automatically open as part of an electronic-sensor system run from an iPad. A pool will be installed soon where he can continue his therapy.

One of Juan's favorite spaces in his new home is the music room. Juan plays the drums, guitar piano and in his home studio he can enjoy his musical passions. Juan adds "I've been a drummer for about 3 1/2 years now I taught myself after I had my accident. Before that I was a trumpet and guitar player. I even played bass". After his accident Juan taught himself the drums and piano so he could continue composing music while he says "guitar was a faded frustrating memory".

He cites his influences as Jose Pasillas, Stewart Copeland, Taylor Hawkins, and Carter Beauford and inspirations are Rick Allen.

Juan says "I did have a hybrid set up before and a triggered double bass set up but now I'm running strait mic on bass drums without triggers on a 5 piece acoustic kit".

He adds "Have sometimes used prosthetic legs, but mainly I use extended foot pedals which was customised by myself and another guy".

One highlight of Juan's music career was to perform on stage with Pink Floyd's Roger Waters at Stand Up For Heroes 2013 at New York's Madison Square Gardens. Juan says "It's was amazing playing that gig!"

On March 15, 2014, Juan spoke about his life and his injuries at TedX Boyle Heights.

In 2019, Juan is playing in the band The Resillient, a band consisting of some of the most combat wounded people in history. They are in the process of recording their debut album and were recently seen on TV in the US on CBS Evening News.


Juan Dominguez From The Resilient Recording Drums On New Original "Accept The End"