Veteran Miki Padgett is an American hero.
The Costa Rican native moved to New Jersey at age 13 and joined the Marines right out of high school. After retiring from U.S. Marine Corps, Padgett reenlisted in the Army. He did tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Asia, but came close to death during his service in Iraq, suffering traumatic brain injuries as a result of IEDs in 2007.
For his injuries in battle, Padgett was awarded a Purple Heart. Now, with Marvel Entertainment’s help, he’s become a superhero as well.
As Military.com reports, Padgett is a character in Marvel’s Make Me a Hero digital series, made possible through a partnership between Marvel Entertainment and the Wounded Warrior Project.
As a young boy, Padgett’s favorite superhero was the Incredible Hulk. He’s happy with his Marvel incarnation, too. Miki bears a Purple Heart emblem on his shoulder, a shiny bald head, salt-and-pepper beard, and his signature “can’t see me glasses.”
In recognition of Padgett’s first combat in Iraq, Miki wears a first-aid kit on his left. A runner’s banner with the number “2003” is affixed to Miki’s chest, a nod to the year Padgett first experienced combat in Iraq and his affinity for running. Every since Padgett retired for the military, he has helped with the Carry Forward 5K race held in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Make Me A Hero “works with real Marvel fans to create the comic hero of their dreams.”
Padgett’s Miki will be followed by superheroes based on other veterans, the channel promises.
“The most recent series won a 2021 Webby Award for its focus on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including registered nurses, volunteer EMS workers, doctors, teachers, postal workers and service animals,” Military.com reports.
See more of Padgett and Miki in the video below.