Valley man injured in Afghanistan featured in Internet series

After losing his hand in Afghanistan, Jerry Cortinas knew it would take care and concentration to prevent his injury from taking over his life.

Today, the story of this Brownsville man and his family's struggle against pessimism will premiere in the Internet series, "In Their Boots," from Brave New Films.

As a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces, the military defined Jerry's life. In 2003, a rocket propelled grenade exploded in Jerry's arms, taking his left hand, scarring his face, and ending his military career.

"I would do anything to still be in the Army and out there doing what I used to be doing," he said. "It feels like somebody took that away from me."

In the two-part webisode, "War Scar," Jerry and his wife Celina revisit the harrowing experience of loss and confusion as Jerry retired from the military and tried to create a new life for himself and his pregnant wife.

During the webisode, the couple travels to Snowmass, Colo. to attend a winter sports clinic, where Jerry rebuilds his confidence by learning to snowboard.

Although Jerry and Celina say the decision to participate in "In Their Boots," was an easy one, the filming itself provided a long anticipated catharsis that helped as much as it hurt.

"It was hard because it brought back a bunch of memories," said Celina, recalling that frozen moment in time when her phone rang, telling her that her husband had been injured.

"It doesn't just affect the soldier - it's the spouse, the children," she said. "You have to have a lot of love in your heart and dig deep."

Jerry hopes the segment will help others, but he still prefers not to talk about his experiences in his day-to-day life.

"I know that if I let it get to me I would probably commit suicide or end up in some kind of dark corner," he said. "What helps is to have a good sense of humor and stay positive."

"War Scar" is hosted by Marine veteran Jan Bender, who served in Iraq, and will premiere at 6 p.m. today at www.intheirboots.com

Part two will premiere Sept. 3.

"It's a different life, but it's still a good life," Celina said.