I hid my face for years – until the day I received the medal

This is the story of “that Marine with the face” who managed to find the strength to overcome the pain of his past and embrace being called a “hero,” because for some people, it was exactly what he was.

Sergeant Reyes’s thoughts often wondered to that faithful day when he pulled his buddy Carlos out of the burning Humvee while feeling his skin peeling off like a wet paper. In one moment, when he thought he was dying, this brave marine heard someone’s voice echo in his ears: “You saved three men. They’re calling you a hero.”

However, the aftermath left Sergeant Reyes feel pity for himself. He hated the stares, and he could barely eat in the months following the blast that scarred his entire face.

Most of all, he hated the silence. People judged his appearance without ever taking the time to ask what happened – well, until Lena, the reported who stood opposite him at the restaurant said, “Tell me the part that no one ever hears.”

Months after her article was published, Sergeant Reyes found himself in the middle of a room full of reporters and cameras. He was about to receive his medal that witnessed of his incredible courage.

When they called his name, Sergeant Reyes heard a whisper as he walked by. “That’s him. That’s the guy who saved my brother.”

He froze. When he turned around he saw a woman with teary eyes holding a photo of one of the marines Sergeant Reyes saved that day.

“My brother… Private Miller… he was in that convoy. He made it home because of you. Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for bringing my brother home.”

Her words changed everything. Something shifted in the hero Marine. He no longer felt the urge to hide his face. Despite the scars, he remained the same person on the inside.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Monica Pop
Monica Pop
Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

Washington’s new lead prosecutor wastes no time, secures major convictions

Washington's new lead prosecutor Jeanine Pirro is making headlines for all the right reasons. Two months into her new role, Pirro started restoring order...

What drying laundry indoors does to your lungs

When it's raining outside and the weather is cold, you may feel tempted to dry your clothes indoors. This is a actually something a...

Prince William knew Meghan had ‘no intention’ of staying royal, expert claims

The initial meeting between Prince William and Meghan Markle was said to be promising, with the two “clicking” right away. William was very fond of...

Airport remains shut down following fireball plane crash

London Southend Airport remains closed until further notice following a devastating plane crash that took place on Sunday, its chief executive Jude Winstanley said during...

Eat cloves every day, but avoid this common mistake!

Cloves are a versatile spice with a peculiar flavor used in the kitchen, especially in the Indian cuisine, and as a medicine. Among the...

They made fun of my grandpa’s inheritance — until they realized what it really was

When my grandfather passed away, all my cousins seemed to care about was the will he left behind. All seven of them were eager...