On October 23, 2010, when Cpl. Juan Dominguez slipped down a small embankment while out on patrol and landed on a buried bomb, the explosion could be heard for miles, according to an Associated Press article. He said, “It had to be a 30 -to- 40 pounder.” His legs were severed above the knee, and his right arm was mangled and could not be saved.

When asked where would you like to live the rest of your life, he said “Temecula, California.” He chose this city after falling in love with the community when he attended the Marine Corps Ball in Temecula. Dominguez got engaged on Valentine’s Day, 2012.