BETHESDA, Md. — U.S. Marine Sgt. Aaron Alonso, who was critically injured and lost his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan, hit a milestone in his recovery this summer when he climbed all 88 steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. without the aid of prostheses.

Zachary Shook posted a video on his Facebook page on Aug. 2 of Alonso climbing all 88 steps to the top of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Both of Aaron Alonso's legs were amputated and he sustained extensive abdominal injuries after he was injured by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Nad Ali, Afghanistan on Feb. 8.

Alonso, a Jefferson native, has remained out of the medically induced semi-coma he was placed in after the explosion, but he still faces pain, which is managed by multiple medications, and regular wound debridements, his wife, Jessica Alonso, has said.

Less than two weeks after he was injured, Alonso told a team of physical and occupational therapists his short term goals in his recovery: "to play with my daughter," according to his wife.

"There is still a long road ahead, but with Aaron's strength, courage and determination we know that he will make an amazing recovery," Jessica Alonso said at the time.

Supporters have raised more than $100,000 for Aaron Alonso and his family through the Alonso Strong GiveForward page since the site was set up in February.

Local fundraisers, too, have helped bring in funds — with Jefferson and Sussex County businesses hosting various events and donating the proceeds to Alonso and his family.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@nj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

