These are the heroes behind the movement

Esteban Blis, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and native of Panama, was wounded in Afghanistan in 2010 during Operation Enduring Freedom, and retired medically from military service in 2011 with the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG) after nearly 18 years of honorable service.

While living with a traumatic brain injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), SSG Blis was inspired to create the You Served, We Care Foundation, which is a non-profit organization advocating for the well-being and protection of U.S. military veterans residing throughout the Latin American region.

SSG Blis completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1993 and pursued advanced training as a Meteorological Crew Member, with expertise in monitoring weather and atmospheric data in support of artillery teams in the field.  After completing his training, SSG Bliss served with the 25th Infantry (“Tropic Lightning”) Division, based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and later served overseas in Panama, Germany, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, in addition to serving in the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves.

After spending 18 months in the Warrior Transition Battalion, SSG Blis moved back to his native country of Panama, and devotes his time in retirement to lobbying in support of his fellow veterans.

SSG Blis holds active memberships in the Texas Veterans Commission, the American Legion (Lifetime Member), and the Disabled American Veterans organization (DAV).

SSG Blis earned the following awards and decorations during his military career:  

Army Achievement Medal (5), Army Good Conduct Award (2), National Defense Service Medal (2 Stars), Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (5),  Army Service Ribbon , US Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (3), Indiana National Guard Recruiting Ribbon  (8) Expert Marksmanship Badge Grenade Bar, Expert Marksmanship Badge Rifle Bar, Basic Recruiting Badge, Air Assault badge and  Meritorious Unit Citation (2) and Valorous Unit Award.