History

In 2006, Maddie and Ron Katz found themselves watching the evening news. The interview guest was a young service member, Marine Corporal Aaron Mankin. Aaron’s mouth, nose, ears, throat, hands, and lungs were severely burned in 2005, when the 26-ton amphibious assault vehicle in which he was traveling struck an improvised explosive device, violently ejecting him. In addition to the injuries to his throat and lungs from smoke inhalation, Mankin suffered intense burns on more than 25 percent of his body. Brooke Army Medical Center had saved his life, but his face remained badly disfigured and he still hoped to “fix the beautiful part.” Maddie turned to Ron and said, “We have to do something about this.” 

Following a visit to the burn ward at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Ron and Maddie Katz, together with a leadership team from UCLA Health, returned in March 2007 to meet with the BAMC team to discuss a collaboration.

In September 2007, skilled hands guided by compassionate hearts embarked on a remarkable journey. UCLA surgeons, with unwavering determination, performed the first of 29 surgeries on Aaron Mankin, each one a step closer to restoring his lost features. In that moment, Operation Mend was born.

Maddie Katz passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment that continues to this day. The hope that began that evening in 2006 continues to guide Operation Mend today.

Today, Operation Mend meets the evolving needs of post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their caregivers. Since that fateful evening, UCLA Health Operation Mend has served warriors and caregivers, from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and U.S. military bases around the world—each with their own story of service and path to recovery.