A home for a hero

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Wounded Heroes Fund is nearly ready to hand over the keys for a brand new home to Lance Corporal Jeremiah Thein. Thein is a double amputee, losing his legs in an I.E.D. explosion while serving in Afghanistan. Thanks to community donations, he will soon be able to move into a custom house, designed just for him and his family.

Thein and his family have been staying in military housing in San Diego while his home is being built. He's eager to come home to Bakersfield. He has no clue about the details of the house waiting for him.

"I don't know if he is going to be able to process this, honestly," said Wendy Porter, Wounded Heroes Fund Executive Director.

Porter had been working on making the home a reality for nearly two years when she learned of Jeremiah's brave actions in Afghanistan.

The non-profit built a home for Wesley Barrientos, who lost his legs in Iraq several years ago.

Just down the road from Wesley's home, on September 11th, Jeremiah helped break ground on his home. Today, it's nearly done.

There are huge closets, a roll-in shower, room under the kitchen counters for a wheelchair, every door is widened, and it's all built with community donations.

"To be able to do something like that for somebody who has paid such a high price is incredibly rewarding," said Jim Ward of Northwest Builders who donated his services.

"We are such a patriotic and supportive community, and this really was done on the community's shoulders. Without everyone's support we would not have been able to accomplish this. So, it means a lot," said Porter.

Finishing touches are being made. The pool and barbecue still need to be done. But on July 4th, all will be ready to welcome a hero to his home.

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A home for a hero