Veteran who lost both legs shares his hopeful story for the holidays

DENVER (KDVR) — Three months prior to being deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, Gabe Martinez had just married his wife, Kayla. One month later, on Thanksgiving Day, Gabe called Kayla with the devastating news that he had been injured by an improvised explosive device blast and med-evacuated out with one of his best friends. Both men lost their legs.

"I looked down and my right leg is on my chest my left leg is off to the side and right then and there I kind of knew I was in bad shape," said Martinez.

Upon his arrival at Walter Reed Military Hospital, Gabe and Kayla were met with immediate assistance from veteran nonprofit Semper Fi & America’s Fund, allowing his family to visit him after his discharge with no financial repercussions.

He remembers a pivotal moment when a triple amputee veteran walked into his hospital and delivered a message.

"To have somebody in my situation tell me that life goes on, you will be okay, and maybe suck it up," said Martinez.

Since then, The Fund has stayed by Gabe’s side for the past 14 years, assisting him in purchasing an adaptive truck, helping him participate in sports again and providing care for his service dog, Wonka.

Gabe is now happily residing in Denver with his wife and children.

"Just celebrated our 14th alive day we call it. It's been a wild ride but I couldn't be any more grateful for it," said Martinez.

Gabe is participating in an end-of-year Match Campaign for The Fund where the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG are matching donations up to $10 million dollars.

“For the 13th consecutive year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Parsons Xtreme Golf will partner with Semper Fi & America’s Fund in the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign. Through the end of the year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, with support from PXG, will match every donation made to The Fund dollar-for-dollar up to $10 million," The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation told FOX31.