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Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez
Background
Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez is a married father of four and is currently retired and living in California. In July 2005 he was the victim of a makeshift roadside bomb in Ramadi and suffered third-degree burns over 70 percent of his face and body.
Before arriving at the V.A.-Greater Los Angeles, he was told there was nothing more that could be done for him. Timothy A. Miller, M.D. was able to construct a nose, using skin from Sgt. Sanchez's forehead. Once the blood supply was in place, a piece of one of his ribs was implanted to provide structure to the nose. Nostrils were fashioned out of remaining ear cartilage and his lips and cheeks were rebuilt. He has undergone several surgeries and now enjoys a more natural and normal appearance.
Related Links
The American Veteran | Operation Mend and Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez featured (video)
Local Doctor is a Local Hero | Octavio Sanchez speaks about his hero and Operation Mend (video)
| UCLA Operation Mend - Octavio Sanchez |
