Sgt. Tavera was deployed in Iraq in the fall of 2007 at 19 years of age. In March of 2008, two days before he was scheduled to return to the U.S, he was critically wounded when five rockets hit the Humvee in which he was riding. Sgt. Tavera lost his right leg, four fingers on his left hand, and the sight in both eyes. He also suffered serious head trauma and critical burns to 60% of his body. Some of Sgt. Tavera's burns are considered 4th degree. His parents have been told Joel is the second most critically injured Army soldier to survive since the war in Iraq began.

  Sgt. Tavera's parents have been forced to leave their home in North Carolina and have moved to Tampa to care for and support Joel. As his recovery progresses, Sgt. Tavera has maintained a positive attitude and his determination to heal is exceptional. It is likely Sgt. Tavera will spend another year at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa.

2007 Hero Army Sgt. Joshua Cope

2008 Hero Army Staff Sgt. William Castillo