President Donald Trump embraced former Army Captain Luis Avila on Monday following Avila’s emotional rendition of “God Bless America.”
Avila suffered life-changing injuries in an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. To cope with his injuries, Avila used music therapy and learned to sing. Avila’s latest performance came Monday during an Armed Services Welcoming Ceremony in Arlington for newly-sworn in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in attendance. (RELATED: Craig And Fred: How A Marine Rescued A Stray Dog In Afghanistan)
During a ceremony with President Trump, Capt. Luis Avila, who was seriously injured by an IED blast in Afghanistan in December of 2011, sings a moving rendition of “God Bless America.”
pic.twitter.com/a9iGfiQYOg— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 30, 2019
After Avila concluded his performance, the president walked over to Avila and warmly embraced him. (RELATED: Trump Touts Low Veteran Unemployment Numbers)
The president has repeatedly touted his support for veterans issues throughout his time in the White House. Trump announced an executive order in March ordering the creation of task force headed by VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to combat veterans’ suicide.