Captain Luis Avila joined the United States Army in 2000 as an enlisted soldier and obtained his commission in 2004. Luis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Computer Science and holds a master’s degree in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University.
Through Luis’ career as a Military Police Officer, he served many different positions: Force Protection/Safety Officer, Company Executive Officer,
Assistant Operations Officer, Assistant S3 and Company Commander. He served one combat tour in support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, three combat tours in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and one combat tour in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF).
During his fifth combat deployment, this time to Afghanistan, Luis was leading his company from the 720th Military Police Battalion, HHD, on a mission when a mounted IED exploded on December 27,
Luis suffered the loss of his left leg, two heart attacks, two strokes, and sustained an anoxic and traumatic brain injury that left him almost completely paralyzed. He was pronounced dead three times. Two weeks after the explosion, Luis arrived in the United States in a coma and on life support. When Luis awoke from his coma, he couldn’t see or eat. He couldn’t speak for over three and a half years. Today, he is regaining many abilities through a variety of therapies that are assisting in his recovery; music, speech, physical and occupational therapy, Brain Fitness, assistive technology, adaptive sports, and other disciplines to assist with his rehabilitation. His speech is still impaired; however, he makes progress every day through speech and music therapy. He co-authored an article about his journey that was recently published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Luis frequently performs at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed, as well as in his community, at memorials, galas, Supreme Court, Capitol, and other events in support of the military. He has performed over 100 times, with one performance being shared nationally as he sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America” alongside Rene Fleming, accompanied by the National Symphony
Orchestra at the 2017 Memorial Day Capital Concert with his story of Faith, Prayers, Hope, Love, Friends, Family and Country. He performs alongside the Army Band, Air Force Band and Marines Corp Band around the community by special request.
Luis uses adaptive sports to empower his rehabilitation and has completed five Army Ten Milers in his recumbent bicycle and achieved the first place Amputee Warrior Men. His hard work, dedication and commitment afforded him the opportunity to be a member of Team Army in the 2024 DOD Warrior Games, achieving five gold medals and one bronze medal. He is an active advocate for his brothers and sisters in arms and will be joining Team USA at the Invictus Games 2025.
Captain Avila is the recipient of many honors and medals, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and The Order of the Marechaussee in Silver. He lives in Maryland with his family and continues his rehabilitation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
