BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Wounded Heroes Fund and local officials broke ground Wednesday morning on a home for a local veteran who lost both his legs in Afghanistan.
Jeremiah Thein's life changed in April 2012 when he stepped on an IED while saving the life of another Marine. More than a year later, a new journey begins for Thein and his family as they pull up to their soon-to-be new custom home.
Thein said, "This house is going to mean everything to mean and my family. It's a stepping stone for us. It's amazing it's excitement."
The house, built by Northwest Builders, will have wider doorways and hallways, and lower appliances, so they'll be accessible to Thein in his wheelchair.
His wife Ashley said, "It's going to fit his needs and that's like the most important thing."
Although he is still in pain -- Thein stands proud, looking to his future, rather than the past.
"It's just how I am, it's just who I am. Whenever something bothers me, something is hurting, or something is going on with me and my body, I ignore it. I just push forward, that's what the Marine Corps has taught, to overcome and adapt," he said.
The project is funded through donations, but the community has provided Thein with more than a home.
"I want to thank everyone, especially the community, for their support and for everything that they've done for me and my family and the letters and everything they sent to us and it's just, happy," said Thein.
Happy to be back, with his family, in his hometown.
"The best thing, I would say looking forward to is for me and my family to call this place home," he said.
The Thein's also have a friendly face in the neighborhood, who understands firsthand what they're going through. The community built a similar home for Wesley Barrientos after he was injured in Iraq, five years ago.
Barrientos said, "it's all about paying it forward and making it better."
Jeremiah Thein's life changed in April 2012 when he stepped on an IED while saving the life of another Marine. More than a year later, a new journey begins for Thein and his family as they pull up to their soon-to-be new custom home.
Thein said, "This house is going to mean everything to mean and my family. It's a stepping stone for us. It's amazing it's excitement."
The house, built by Northwest Builders, will have wider doorways and hallways, and lower appliances, so they'll be accessible to Thein in his wheelchair.
His wife Ashley said, "It's going to fit his needs and that's like the most important thing."
Although he is still in pain -- Thein stands proud, looking to his future, rather than the past.
"It's just how I am, it's just who I am. Whenever something bothers me, something is hurting, or something is going on with me and my body, I ignore it. I just push forward, that's what the Marine Corps has taught, to overcome and adapt," he said.
The project is funded through donations, but the community has provided Thein with more than a home.
"I want to thank everyone, especially the community, for their support and for everything that they've done for me and my family and the letters and everything they sent to us and it's just, happy," said Thein.
Happy to be back, with his family, in his hometown.
"The best thing, I would say looking forward to is for me and my family to call this place home," he said.
The Thein's also have a friendly face in the neighborhood, who understands firsthand what they're going through. The community built a similar home for Wesley Barrientos after he was injured in Iraq, five years ago.
Barrientos said, "it's all about paying it forward and making it better."