Wounded Pearland Veteran to be given keys to new home

By Leisha S. D'Angelo on August 11, 2019

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Henry Escobedo will soon be moving into a Pearland home courtesy of Homes for Our Troops.

The nonprofit HFOT builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. The intent is to restore some of the freedom and independence veterans sacrificed while defending the country, enabling them to focus on their family, recovering and rebuilding their lives.

Born in Guatemala, Henry Escobedo came to the United States when he was nine years old. When he was 19, he joined the military to give back to the country that provided so much to him.He first deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 as an Infantryman with the 2^ndBattalion, 37^thArmor, 1^stArmor Division. During that deployment, Sergeant First Class Escobedo sustained a concussion after falling off his vehicle in Baghdad/Al Kufa-Najaf, Iraq.

When he returned home, he began to experience headaches and dry eyes. The condition worsened during his 2010 deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. By the end of 2011, his vision deteriorated almost completely; he is now legally blind with minimal light perception. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with Leber’s Optic Neuropathy.

After his diagnosis, it was difficult for Henry to rely on others. He found strength through his wife Mayra’s unyielding support. The two met while serving together. “Mayra has stuck with me through thick and thin, she is my light,” he says.

Now medically retired, Henry’s main priority is Mayra and their son and daughter, Jairo and Jade. He says he will be able to easily navigate a single-level Homes For Our Troops home with automatic doors and wide hallways. Since he only has minimal light perception, ample lighting will provide a comfortable environment, improving his daily living situation.

Once settled in his specially adapted custom home, Henry expects his confidence and determination will increase and he will be motivated to pursue his future goals. He is currently pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. “I honestly think the home would just bring an immense sense of happiness and joy not only to me but to my family as well,” he says.

A longtime resident of Texas, Henry is choosing to build his home there to be close to family.

Henry believes his specially adapted home will give him a renewed energy in life. “I will be empowered knowing there is always hope and people that care. I will be more enthusiastic and look forward to finishing goals I once started,” he says.

The public is invited to meet Escobedo and his family during a “Community Kickoff” event set for August 24, 10 a.m. at Hope Church Pearland, 4209 Broadway Street, Pearland 77581.