Juan Erwin Leal

Master Sergeant (Ret.), U.S. Army

"What stands out about Operation Mend is their commitment to holistic care. They don’t just focus on physical recovery, they take into account the whole person, including mental and emotional health."

Inspiration to Join the Military

Warrior Juan Leal comes from a family with a long tradition of military service. It started with his grandfather, who served in World War II. His advice to Juan’s dad and uncles was simple: "Serve your country. Don’t just take advantage of the freedoms you have - be a part of the heritage that makes those freedoms possible and make a difference."

Juan’s father joined the United States Marine Corps at 19 and served for over 10 years before transitioning to the Army Reserve. But the family's history of service goes even further back. Many of Juan’s uncles served, starting with the Korean War, and several were in Vietnam. One uncle completed four tours in Vietnam.

Most of Juan’s uncles served in the Marines, putting in their time and leaving after eight years. Another uncle served in the Navy and loved to share stories about life at sea and the amazing places he got to visit. While Juan cherishes those stories to this day, it was the encouragement from his uncles that left a lasting impact on him.

As his uncles would often remind him, President John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Juan joined the military because he wanted to be a part of that heritage, that tradition of honorable service. It was his way of continuing the legacy that had been passed down through generations.

Operation Mend

Juan first learned about Operation Mend through a fellow Wounded Warrior he met in Colorado while attending a health fair and nutrition course organized by the Wounded Warrior Project. This warrior shared how Operation Mend had helped him navigate and overcome the challenges he faced, both physically and emotionally. The story resonated with Juan, not only inspiring him, but also giving him a new perspective on the healing process. Hearing how impactful the program had been motivated Juan to explore Operation Mend’s services for veterans.

Juan applied to Operation Mend because he deeply believes in the organization’s mission.

“What stands out about Operation Mend is their commitment to holistic care. They don’t just focus on physical recovery, they take into account the whole person, including mental and emotional health. UCLA’s dedication to using the latest medical technologies and treatments, combined with their focus on research and education, are what make this program truly exceptional,” he says. “I was drawn to be a part of an organization that cares so deeply about veterans and their families, providing free medical care, travel, and accommodations to ensure those who have sacrificed for our country receive the best support possible.”

The Operation Mend Experience 

Initially, Juan was nervous about his first experience with Operation Mend, unsure of what to expect. His fears were put to rest from the moment he and his wife touched down at LAX. “The transportation provided for my wife and me was comfortable, and the care we received was nothing short of amazing. Operation Mend ensured that every detail was handled with care. We were given excellent accommodation, food vouchers, and shuttle services. The team worked closely with both my wife and me, explaining every step of the process, providing doctor’s notes and consultations, and offering constant feedback. We felt fully supported throughout the entire experience.”

On his second visit, Juan brought his entire family, including his three daughters. “Operation Mend didn’t just care for me and my wife—they made sure our daughters were well taken care of, too. The staff hosted events with other veterans, and they provided us with a detailed schedule for the two-week stay, so we knew exactly what to expect each day.”

“While my wife and I attended various classes, including Qigong, counseling, and sessions on coping with PTSD and emotional challenges, our daughters went on incredible field trips as part of Operation Mend’s summer camp program in collaboration with UCLA Recreation Center. These outings weren’t just ordinary museum visits, they were full-day adventures. They visited the beach, went on rides at the Santa Monica Pier, explored museums, and even spent a day at Disneyland and Universal Studios. Each day, they left at 8 a.m. and returned by 5 p.m., exhausted but thrilled.”

Through the classes and therapy sessions, Juan learned various techniques for coping with the challenges he faces, such as the emotional toll of losing part of his vision after multiple military related surgeries for retinal detachment. Despite the doctors' best efforts, his vision continued to worsen, and he struggled to cope with the emotional pain. The doctors explained the medical aspects of his condition and helped him understand how to manage his emotions.

Road to Recovery

Therapy enabled Juan to learn how to express himself without breaking down, how to communicate calmly, and how to manage frustration. He realized that his vision loss wasn’t his fault and that he could still live a fulfilling life, even with a disability. One of his most powerful experiences was participating in equine therapy, where he worked with animals to improve his communication skills. The animals reflected his own behavior, if they were being stubborn, it was often because he was, too. “This helped me recognize how I was communicating not just with the animals, but also with my wife.”

“One of the most memorable moments of our stay was celebrating my daughter’s 11th birthday,” Juan recalls. “The Operation Mend staff made it a truly special day, and our Buddy Family, Andy and Laura, went above and beyond to make it unforgettable. They stayed in touch with us, took us out to eat, and their children became close friends with my daughters. Operation Mend has given me and my family an experience we will never forget. Their dedication to caring for both veterans and their families made a lasting impact on our lives, and we will always be grateful for the support and compassion we received.”

The Journey Forward

It’s been about a year since Juan completed the Operation Mend program. While he can’t say he is 100% better or fully recovered, he can confidently say that the program has made a profound difference in his life. “Operation Mend gave me the tools to manage my stress, anxiety, PTSD, vision issues, and other diagnoses I face every day. Recovery isn’t something that happens overnight, but with the program’s support, I’ve learned how to navigate these challenges.”

“Recovery is a continuous journey, and it’s important to keep pushing forward,” Juan says. “Programs like Operation Mend provide an incredible foundation, but it’s on us to use the tools they’ve given us in our daily lives. For me, Operation Mend was life changing. It empowered me to face my challenges head-on, and I’m learning to thrive despite the obstacles.” He hopes that whatever challenges you’re facing, you will find the strength to keep going. The road to recovery may be long, but with the right support and tools, like those from Operation Mend, you can overcome the obstacles in your path. Juan Leal is living proof.