Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient
FULLERTON – It would be easy for Fil-Am Mervin Roxas to be upset with what happened to him several years ago.
The reminders are evident – permanent scars on the right side of his face, his missing left arm and nightmares of that fateful July morning live with him on a daily basis.
But the former Marine Corporal, who served two tours in Iraq, has not an ounce of bitterness.
Rather, he wants to show the world what disabled veterans can do.
This Sunday, March 21, Roxas will be running in the Los Angeles marathon to give back to the veteran’s organizations that helped him recover.
“My point of view is I’m only running for a day,” he said. “They actually do all the work for veterans every single day. In my view they are doing the harder work. I’m just doing this for fun.”
Roxas’ goal is to raise $5,000 and awareness to US Vets, a non-profit charity that provides veterans housing, counseling, and employment assistance. He has raised more than $3,000 as of press time. He’ll also run alongside with other veterans Ray Holland and Oliver Kay.
He said it’s important for people to be aware of organizations like US Vets that help thousands of new war veterans adjust to civilian life.
“I was real lucky when I was injured in Iraq,” he said. “I was lucky to have that kind of support that I needed but unfortunately, not a lot of veterans get that support.” Organizations like US Vets, are really geared towards helping those veterans with the help they are supposed to get.”
Born in Pasay City, Philippines, he came to the US in 1996 and joined the Marines shortly after September 11.
In 2004 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Roxas was wounded. During a morning patrol in July, the humvee he was riding in hit a roadside bomb. The explosion burned part of his face, leaving permanent scars, and tore off his left arm. It also claimed the lives of three of his friends.
It took a few years for him to recover.
He said he stills feels phantom pains on his missing left arm.
“Sometimes it feels itchy but there’s nothing you can do about it,” he said.
It’s been a long journey towards recovery but he credits US veteran organizations, friends and family for helping him to get through that difficult part of his life. He received a purple heart for his bravery and service to the country.
“I have no regrets and would do it all over again to serve my country,” said Roxas.
He said in a way, being wounded was a blessing in disguise.
“It made me a better person,” he said. “Even though, I face a lot of challenges with only having one arm, it gave me a better perspective in life and the drive to keep doing good in the world.”
Roxas said now, he just wants to make a difference.
He is attending California State University Fullerton, pursuing a degree in history with the goal of becoming a high school teacher.
With all of my experiences and positive attitude, I have a lot to share, he said.
“I want to share my positive attitude,” he added. “I’d like to teach people they could overcome anything and how to be more positive in life.”
He also serves as a life skills coach for Easter Seals of Southern California, a non-profit organization that provides services to people living with autism and other disabilities.
Roxas may have lost an arm but he never lost his indomitable spirit.
If you want to contribute to Mervin Roxas’ cause you can visit www. Firstgiving.com/mervinroxas
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