Building begins on injured Marines home

GRANBY, Mass. (WWLP) - Sgt. Joshua Bouchard, a Western Massachusetts native, signed-up to serve his country. His service was cut short though, on July 8th, 2009. While on his second deployment, Sgt. Bouchard's humvee drove over an IED in Afghanistan. As a result, he broke his back and ended-up losing his leg. But even though his life would forever change that day, help is now on the way.

A non-profit group called, "Homes for our Troops" is helping build a brand new home for Sgt. Bouchard.

"We can build the home for this veteran at no cost to him whatsoever. We feel that he has paid enough, and this is something that we as civilians can do to give back to him", said Dawn Teixeira, Executive Director of "Homes for our Troops".

Construction began Friday morning, and will continue through Sunday. The home's interior and any finishing touches will be completed over the next few months.

"It's phenomenal, it's overwhelming--I can't thank everyone enough. It doesn't just show me support, but it shows that they're supporting our fellow warriors, soldiers who come back", said Sgt. Bouchard.

His new home will provide him with maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently; and this home wouldn't be made possible without the other groups throughout the state that have come together to donate 100% of the materials and volunteer 100% of their time.

"It's very inspiring, you know? It's all about people coming together. It's really an honor to be here", said Jeanne Emond of Holyoke, who came out to volunteer.

"Yeah, we're building a home for [Josh]--but it's really about showing all of our men and women that we do care and we do have a place in our heart for them", said Brad Campbell, Executive Director of the Home Builders Association of Western Mass.

Corporal Neil Frustaglio of Texas is also a recipient of one of these special homes. He told 22news that Sgt. Bouchard is in for a life-changing experience.

"It'll be worth the wait when he gets to move-in; and once he moves in, he will realize how much of a difference it's going to make in his everyday life", said Frustaglio.

"I look forward for the opportunity this house is going to present to me. It's going to be a step forward and a place where I don't have to worry about how I'm going to get around and what I'm going to do", said Sgt. Bouchard.

22news will continue to follow the process and progress of this build, every step of the way.