President Donald Trump on Monday gave a wheel-chaired Afghanistan War veteran an emotional hug immediately after the wounded warrior finished singing “God Bless America” during a military ceremony.
The display of affection came after retired Army Captain Luis Avila sang the patriotic classic near the end of a ceremony in Fort Myer, Virginia, to congratulate Army General Mark Milley on replacing Marine General Joseph Dunford to become the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
During the song Trump bobbed his head along with the music and gave Avila his trademark thumbs-up. When Avila finished his solo, the president and other guests joined the performers to sing the rest of the verses. Once Avila and the crowd finished the song, Trump, with his arms open wide, walked over to Avila to give to him and his wife, Claudia, a big bear hug.
A veteran who served five combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, Avila has been confined to the wheel-chair since 2011, according to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. While leading his team in a search and secure mission along the Afghan-Pakistani border, a 600-pound improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath Avila’s vehicle. Since the attack, Avila has suffered two strokes and two heart attacks, and a severe lack of oxygen had caused anoxic brain damage, leaving him completely paralyzed. His left leg has also been amputated.
Avila used music therapy, which has helped him speak again, to boost his morale throughout his recovery. He also performed “God Bless America” during the 2017 National Memorial Day Concert with soprano Renée Fleming.
Earlier in the ceremony, Dunford paid tribute to Avila and all other wounded veterans.
“At the end of this ceremony, you will hear Army Captain Luis Avila sing a tribute to America,” said Dunford. “Captain Avila was seriously wounded in action and today, represents all of the wounded warriors and killed in action of our military.”
“Both our friends and enemies alike should know that we who wear the uniform of the United States of America, the cloth of our nation, we are all Captain Avilas.”
