By: KEN HEINECK | WSLS10
Published: November 29, 2012
PULASKI COUNTY, VA —
Crews from Highlander Construction frame the foundation for a former marine.
“What we’re giving him pales in comparison to what he’s given for us,” said James Oliver, of Highlander Construction.
They are getting set to build a home in Pulaski County for SSgt. Jeremy Austin and his family. Austin lost both his legs in an April 2009 IED attack in Afghanistan. He gets around pretty well on his prosthetic legs, but occasionally uses a wheelchair.
“It’s pretty breathtaking and exciting to know that there are people in this country that are willing to do something like this for people like me,” said Austin, a Purple Heart recipient.
The organization behind the project, Massachusetts-based “Homes for Our Troops” has planned for this home to fit Austins’ needs.
“I won’t have to worry about chipping up doorways, and really paying attention to where I’m at, and not even a three point turn, but doing like a 20-point turn in a narrow hallway.”
More than a handful of national and local suppliers donated things, like plumbing and building materials to help with the project.
“For us to be able to give back a little something was very important to us, and we just can’t be more pleased to be involved in this project,” said Oliver.
A few hundred volunteers will join in on a build brigade on Friday. Contractors hope it will be ready for the Austins to move in, in February.
“This is a community my parents have lived in for over ten years now and for this community to open their arms up and welcome us in like we’re family, it gives my wife and I a lot of hope raising our family here,” said Austin.
