Modern War Heroes

WORTHINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A local Iraq veteran will soon have a new place to call home thanks to hundreds of volunteers.

Army Sgt. Peter Rooney lost both legs while on duty in Iraq two years ago when his truck hit a roadside bomb.  From that moment he knew his life would never be the same.

“While we were in Walter Reed we were dreading the idea of coming back home and scouring the area for a handicap accessible apartment,” Sgt. Rooney said.

Thanks to Homes for our Troops he won’t have too. In six months Sgt. Rooney and his wife be the owner of a beautiful home in Worthington. The $275,000 home is free of charge.

The money is donated by those in the community.  All the building supplies come from the pocket of complete strangers who were touched by the story of an American soldier.

Kent Hicks, a local contractor, saw an ad in the paper asking for volunteers.  He called the listed number and weeks later he became the general contractor for the project.  Every week he spends over 20 hours at the site.

“You just make the time,” Hicks said. “Everyone feels that way.”

Sgt. Rooney was deeply moved Friday as he watched the volunteers build his home board by board.

“I’m grateful. I just want to say thank you for everybody, “Sgt. Rooney said. “I know that I was the only one wearing a uniform but these people are definitely the heroes.” (source)

Truly fantastic. It is always heartwarming to hear of a person’s community banding together to help them out. And this man really deserved it. I can’t imagine losing both of my legs and being faced with the everyday challenge that the injuries bring. These people were able to bring a little peace of mind to this brave veteran.