Article published July 7, 2007

Defiance fetes Marine injured by Iraqi bomb

By LAREN WEBER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

DEFIANCE - Marine Cpl. John Mendez could be considered one of the lucky ones.

When a suicide bomb exploded underneath the bridge he was patrolling in a city north of Fallujah in April, he was knocked unconscious and suffered severe injuries to both heels.

His left heel was completely blown off; all the bones in his right heel were crushed.

Some of his fellow soldiers didn't fare as well.

One remains in a coma, another's face was crushed by concrete as a result of the explosion, and a third lost his leg.

But that doesn't make Corporal Mendez's road to recovery any easier.

The 2003 Tinora High School graduate returned to Defiance and was welcomed home yesterday with applause from more than 100 people who packed the courthouse lawn downtown.

"He almost paid the ultimate price," said Gary Leach, a Vietnam veteran who attended yesterday's ceremony. "His life is changed forever."

Defiance Mayor Bob Armstrong designated July 14 as Cpl. John Mendez Day in honor of the hometown hero. He turns 23 years old that day.

Corporal Mendez uses a wheelchair, but said he hopes to walk with the help of crutches within the next month. After his week-long visit in Defiance, he'll return to San Diego to continue his rehabilitation.

Upon his arrival at the courthouse just before 3 p.m., friends, supporters, and fellow veterans almost instantly formed a line behind Corporal Mendez to thank him for his dedication tothis country.

He joined the Marines at 19 to give back to the country he said "has been so good to me."

As the somewhat shy soldier shook the hands of veterans who had fought in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam, he knew they understood what he's been through.

It's a brotherhood unlike any other.

"As much as you try to explain it to somebody who hasn't been there, they just don't get it," Corporal Mendez said.

World War II veteran Howard Shock, 84, said seeing the injured soldier brought back memories of his own military service.

He too was injured in battle and understands Corporal Mendez's pain.

"It hurts to see him come back that way," said Mr. Shock, who asked God to bless and protect the young man.

Juan Soliz was 18 when he joined the Marines and was injured while fighting in Vietnam.

He told the young soldier not to pity himself, but to go on with his life as he and other veterans have done.

"We left the war and came back and went on with our lives," Mr. Soliz said, choking back tears.

He has faith Corporal Mendez can do the same.

"We support them 100 percent," he said, referring to all the soldiers fighting in Iraq.

Corporal Mendez isn't planning on re-enlisting in the Marines, but said he won't be officially discharged until he is fully recovered.

His mother, Maribel Casarez, said she worried about her son day and night while he was in Iraq. She was nervous when the phone rang and when people pulled into her driveway.

Ms. Casarez often feared it would be military officers delivering news that her son had been killed in action. Although Corporal Mendez isn't expected to return to Iraq, Ms. Casarez said she'll continue to worry.

"You still wonder about what his future is going to be like," she said. "Is he going to be able to work? What are his limitations going to be?"

Contact Laren Weber at:
lweber@theblade.com
or 419-724-6050.

Ellie