Jorge Avalos has lived a remarkable life, and he lives every day to the fullest.

He proudly served his country in the Army for 23 years. While deployed in Iraq, an IED hit his vehicle, and he was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2011, while still on active duty, an injury during a skydiving demonstration caused a partial amputation to his left leg and left him paralyzed from the waist down. During his recovery, Jorge picked up cycling as a part of his rehabilitation. Despite being hit by a truck while cycling in 2012, Jorge continues to be an avid bike enthusiast and credits time spent in nature for aiding his recovery.

He has inspired his friends, his family, and his chain of command, all the way up to Commander-in-Chief.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is humbled that Jorge has joined us to tell his story as part of the “We Will Not Be Tamed” campaign. It’s all about raising awareness and encouraging Texans to get involved in conserving the wild things and wild places of our state.

We Will Not Be Tamed calls you to appreciate the wildness of Texas, the vastness of our Texas spirit and why we should be inspired to conserve it.

Join Jorge and thousands of others who are standing together, for the wild places that have given us so much.

President Bush calls Jorge Avalos a hero.

Jorge and a select group of wounded military veterans recently joined President Bush in Crawford for a mountain bike ride on the trails throughout his ranch. It’s not the first time Jorge has ridden with President Bush. He has also participated in the Warrior 100K, an annual mountain bike ride the President does with servicemen and women wounded in the global war on terror to underscore the vast courage and resilience of our nation’s veterans.

During this most recent ride, a Texas Monthly video crew was on hand to capture Jorge’s inspiring story.

The May issue of Texas Monthly also features an article about Jorge.

TPWF has partnered with Trailblazing Texas companies to bring you a one-of-a-kind sweepstakes. Outdoor-loving brands from Toyota to Epic and Solo Stove have partnered to give away everything you need to Live the Wild Life. The grand prize winner will drive home in a new Toyota Tundra!

To Live the Wild Life, you’ll need the gear, so enter today!

You can learn more about We Will Not Be Tamed at several upcoming special events.

The Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest is coming up this weekend. The popular event benefits Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fisheries and outreach programs. This year’s event is at Lake Travis in Jonestown May 18-20. Look for the We Will Not Be Tamed booth, learn more about the campaign and sign up for the sweepstakes!

Also this weekend, Jorge Avalos will be recognized at a soccer game at Toyota Field in San Antonio in honor of Armed Forces Day, which is Saturday, May 19. During the pre-game of the FC San Antonio VS Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Jorge will be called on to the field to be recognized. Look for Jorge before the game and sign up for the sweepstakes!

Find out more about upcoming special events below.