A young man from Las Tunas, who survived a 33,000-volt electric shock during his mandatory military service, was given a new home this Thursday in the Palancón neighborhood, Las Tunas. This was made possible through a grassroots solidarity campaign led by activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, better known as Noly Blak. The video of the home handover has already garnered over 85,400 views on Facebook.
Miguel Ángel, aged 20, encountered the life-threatening incident on November 24, 2024. While on guard duty at a military post in Havana without access to water, he attempted to dislodge a coconut with a pole, which accidentally contacted a high-voltage line.
The intense shock resulted in severe injuries to his arms, legs, abdomen, and back, keeping him in the intensive care unit at Havana's Naval Hospital for more than a year. He underwent a tracheotomy during his recovery.
After being discharged on January 10, 2026, Miguel returned to Las Tunas without any state compensation. He lived with his mother in Palancón, one of the most impoverished areas of the province, in dire conditions. His mother could only afford to feed him "plain spaghetti with salt and oil."
Noly Blak brought the young man's plight to light through a viral video that amassed over a million views on Facebook, sparking a wave of donations from both Cuba and abroad.
A Community Rallies for Hope
The campaign united Cubans from both inside and outside the island to aid Miguel. The "Historian Santa Maria," a member of the Cuban diaspora, contributed funds for a blender, a stove, and food, which his father was tasked to purchase. The Corazón Valiente Project also joined the support efforts, and Manuela, a supporter from Guatemala, donated $50.
The collective contributions not only allowed for the construction of a new home but also ensured each room was equipped with air conditioning and essential appliances. A refrigerator was purchased by Idalmi, the young man's mother's sister-in-law.
During the home presentation, Noly Blak informed Miguel, "You have a million pesos on the card, okay?" He also mentioned that more than 300,000 pesos remained from the donations received.
The Broader Picture of Neglect
Miguel Ángel's mother publicly expressed her gratitude: "Thanks to you, my son will have a very, very happy, very peaceful life. Many thanks to everyone, to all the wonderful people who helped me."
This incident highlights an ongoing pattern of state neglect towards Cuban recruits. A report by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory, released on July 20, indicates that at least 97 young individuals died or went missing during their military service from 2001 to spring 2026, with an average age of 18.7 years. Accidents accounted for 22.7% of these documented cases.
Noly Blak, who has spearheaded several similar campaigns recently, concluded the video of the home presentation with a poignant thought: "Every time I see these cases, it pains me. It's a shame that all of us Cubans have become like trees. No matter how dry we are, we sweeten the wound that does not hurt."
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Military Recruits
What led to Miguel Ángel's electrocution during his military service?
Miguel Ángel was electrocuted while trying to knock down a coconut with a pole, which accidentally came into contact with a high-voltage power line.
How did the community come together to support Miguel Ángel?
The community, both within Cuba and internationally, rallied through donations. These contributions helped build a new home and provided essential appliances for Miguel Ángel.
What does Noly Blak's campaign reveal about the situation of Cuban recruits?
Noly Blak's campaign highlights the lack of state support for Cuban military recruits, showcasing the community's effort to compensate for this neglect.