Built From The Fire: Meet Damon Ortega

Damon Ortega was not shaped by comfort. He was shaped by challenge. And he carries the same strength in everything he does.

Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Damon's early years were anything but easy. He grew up in instability, raised by an abusive, drug-addicted single mother, often moving from one uncertain home to another. Some nights meant no bed. Some days meant no food. The only constant was his grit, & the quiet strength of his grandparents, who gave him just enough structure to believe there was something better out there.

But life didn't let up. In first grade, Damon was hit by a truck going 40mph while biking to school. Most wouldn't have been able to walk away. He did. The crash left him with seizures & a lifelong reminder that survival is not based on luck; it is all fight. 

By the fourth grade, the physical scars had healed, but the emotional ones deepened. His teen years were filled with bullying, rejection, & loneliness, which eventually pushed him to the edge. No need to say more on that note, but Damon chose to stay. And because of that choice, everything changed.

Damon stepped into the YMCA gym for the first time that summer. He had 250 pounds of pain, anger, & determination. No trainer or guidance. It was just him & his relentless drive. Day by day, he rebuilt himself, & by the following football season, no one recognized him. But most importantly, he finally recognized himself. This was only the beginning.

After high school, Damon joined the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer, serving eight years & completing four deployments. This brought him to combat operations during the Battle of Marjah, a deployment to Afghanistan, humanitarian missions in the Philippines, & time aboard the USS New York. Fate tested him again the night before boot camp, when a tornado leveled his Section 8 neighborhood. The room he would've slept in was gone by morning, but he sure wasn't.

Today, Damon serves his community as a Firefighter and Paramedic for the Coppell Fire Department. He's also a husband, a father to two boys, & a man who knows that life doesn't hand you strength. 

"Everything I do now is with the purpose of becoming the best husband, father, & man I can be," Damon says. "I want to set an example -- not just for others, but especially for my boys."

Why Guts & Grit

Damon discovered Guts & Grit the way most people do, through a design that spoke to him. It wasn't just the designs themselves, but the attitude & personality behind the brand that made him feel a sense of belonging.

"Guts & Grit isn't afraid to say what most people won't," Damon says. It isn't so much about the clothing, but the lifestyle.

Damon gave us a long list of designs that he loves, but his favorite is Social Distance Expert. He wears Guts & Grit in & out of the gym, & sometimes, just to see people's reactions.

 

Connect with Damon

Instagram: @damon.ortega

Facebook: Facebook.com/ortega.damon

 

Conclusion

"Living your life to the best of your ability is a powerful gift. It's not only about being your best self, but being that for others. The world can be unpredictable & dangerous. It's essential to stay prepared both physically & mentally. Being proactive in your health, safety, & mindset helps shield your loves ones & ensure you can face challenges with resilience.

When you live fully & responsibly, you set a shining example for your children, teaching them the value of perseverance, courage, & love. Your spouse benefits from your strength & dedication, creating a foundation of trust & shared purpose. Moreover, using your means to empower others not only transforms lives, but also builds a stronger, more supportive community.

Remember, living intentionally isn't all about personal success, but about protecting & providing for your family, making a positive impact, & leaving a legacy of love, strength, & empowerment for generations to come."