'Homes for Our Troops'

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - An organization that helps build homes for critically injured soldiers is on a mission to help two local heroes.

The non-profit group called "Homes for Our Troops" hosted an informational event at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Wednesday.

They're trying to raise funds to build specially adapted homes for Sergeant Mark Ecker of East Longmeadow and Sergeant Peter Rooney of Worthington. Both soldiers lost their legs fighting in the war in Iraq.

"It's overwhelming because a house is a big thing to accept but I'm very grateful," said Sgt. Mark Ecker II of Springfield.

"Our long term goal is to keep raising enough money to keep up with the applications that come in," said John Gonsalves, Founder of "Homes for Our Troops."

"Homes for Our Troops" is hosting a silent auction to raise money for this project on April 17th at the Springfield Mariott.