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 as well as graduating with his J.D. and LL.M in 2020 at the Washington University in St. Louis. He passed the CA bar in 2022. SOF connected Kyle with mentors during college and before he moved to Missouri to help him with the transition.
“Being a Sentinel has provided me an extraordinary opportunity to pursue my educational goals after my military career came to an unexpected end. Sentinels of Freedom provides housing assistance so that I can focus on my education, and not stress about how I am going to provide for my wife and newborn son while in school full time. I am lucky to have SOF to mentor me through one of the most difficult transition phases in my life, helping me feel more at ease. SOF has inspired me to become a better person by introducing me to organizations such as the local Rotary and also to veteran groups like the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley and the VETS@SFSU where I can meet with other veterans like myself. I feel that sharing experiences and helping each other out with advice makes the transition much easier.”
Bridge for Education Program
Sentinels of Freedom’s Bridge for Education program helps severely wounded post-9/11 veterans with comprehensive personal support and financial assistance as they complete their higher education and achieve success in their post-military careers.
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Sentinels of Freedom has helped over 700 Veterans since 2007. Their stories are empowering and inspiring.
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