POSEY CO., IN (WFIE) -
Friday, work begins on a new home for a disabled veteran.
Former Army Sergeant Kenneth Harker lost both legs in Iraq during his second deployment in June 2008. More than 100 volunteers gathered to build the home with a number of features to fit his special needs.
That Build Brigade on Savana Court started at 8:30 a.m. Friday with just a concrete foundation.
The Harker family tells 14 News they're grateful to live in such a caring community.
"You just can't get it out, you can't find the words to describe it," said Kenneth's wife Heather.
For Kenneth and Heather Harker and their six-month-old daughter, standing in their new yard and seeing 100 volunteers start work on their home Friday was emotional.
"Seeing how fast them guys are moving, it's pretty exciting. Like, I didn't know it was going to be that fast," Kenneth said.
The organization Homes For Our Troops says they've built over 100 custom homes for injured veterans in the last seven years, with low countertops, stoves and showers for wheelchairs, a building process organizers say, never gets old.
"Just seeing the outpouring of support from people, people who don't even know our veterans, don't even know the organization," said Jennifer Fiorentino with Homes For Our Troops.
Chase Matthews and his family received a new home in Eddyville, Kentucky last year through the program and say it's been a blessing.
"I've been able to have more freedom and no limitations," Matthews told 14 News.
That freedom is just what Kenneth Harker says, he's looking forward to most of all.
"Just being able to access the house in, you know, every room."
"In the house we're in, he's limited as far as, he can't get in the baby's room and interact with his daughter the way he wants to," said Heather.
Organizers say the home should be ready for the Harkers to move in , in three to four months.
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They need professionals and volunteers for all kinds of different jobs, everything from event photographers to fundraising and registration.
The "Build Brigade" is progressing quickly with Sgt. Harker's new home.
