Alfredo “Freddie” De Los Santos was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and moved to the United States in 1986. Settling in New York City, he attended Park West High School and later graduated from City College of New York with a degree in graphic design. For several years, he worked as a designer at NYU, building a life and career in the city. 

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Freddie felt a deep call to serve. He joined the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. His military career would change his life forever.  

Combat Injury in Afghanistan 

On October 20, 2009, while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Freddie’s vehicle was struck by rocket fire. The blast left him with severe injuries, including the loss of his right leg above the knee, a traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

At first, he struggled to adapt. The loss of mobility, compounded by invisible wounds, left him in despair. “I didn’t want to get out and do anything,” Freddie later shared. He even attempted suicide several times before finding a new direction through community support and rehabilitation. 

Turning to Handcycling 

As part of his recovery, Freddie was introduced to handcycling. What began as rehabilitation soon became a passion and a pathway back into society. 

In 2011, he received support from CAF Operation Rebound, which provided the resources he needed to pursue cycling competitively. “I cannot thank CAF Operation Rebound enough for everything they have done for me and my fellow wounded soldiers,” Freddie said. 

The bike became more than equipment—it was freedom, connection, and a way to set new goals. He joined the Paralyzed Veterans Racing team, where camaraderie and shared purpose kept him motivated. “PVR is not just a racing team; it’s a movement,” he explained. “Some want to do it recreationally and others competitively, but it gives you the option to go out there and be happy. That’s what it’s all about.” 

By 2013, Freddie had risen to the elite level of competition, representing the U.S. at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Baie-Comeau, Canada. 

Beyond the Bike 

While cycling has been central to his rehabilitation, Freddie has never limited himself to one sport. He has also competed in cross-country skiing, volleyball, discus, and shot put. Each activity has provided new ways to test himself physically and connect with others facing similar challenges. 

His athletic journey has been about more than sport—it has been about reclaiming a sense of agency and possibility. 

 Rediscovering Dance and Art 

Before his injury, Freddie’s greatest passion outside of the military was dance, especially salsa. When he lost his leg, his first thought was not about sports or work but about losing the ability to dance. Over time, he discovered ways to adapt his steps and return to the music he loved, even if it felt different from before. 

Art has also become a crucial outlet in his life. A trained graphic designer, Freddie uses painting to channel emotions that can otherwise feel overwhelming. “I’m still getting nightmares and dealing with some aggression,” he said. “But when I paint, I bring that out. It’s a way for me to see that I’m in control of whatever it is I’m seeing.” 

 Leading by Example 

Freddie sees his journey as more than personal recovery. He hopes his story of perseverance in sport, art, and community can help other veterans with new injuries see that life can still be vibrant and full. 

“I’m very proud to be a part of Paralyzed Veterans of America,” he said. “It has been the most rewarding experience to be part of a group of guys who are willing to push themselves in cycling in order to show the community that while we are disabled, we can still accomplish a lot of things in life.” 

Be Part of the Movement 

From his service in Afghanistan to his medals on the bike and his canvases in the studio, Alfredo De Los Santos has shown how sport and art can create new beginnings. With the support of CAF Operation Rebound, he transformed his rehabilitation into a career as an elite cyclist and a voice for other veterans. 

You can help continue this mission—by supporting CAF programs that provide equipment, training, and community for service members and veterans, ensuring that more athletes like Freddie can find their path forward.