NEPA Wounded Vet Given New Home

Mr. Granville's home started to take shape in June during a two day community build brigade. "One step at a time and here we are today," said Ken Kurtz of Ken Kurtz Builders. Mr. Kurtz and other volunteers helped lay the foundation and framework. The general contractor oversaw six months of construction. "I knew that this project was going to fly because the support early on was so great," he said.

Mr. Granville is one of more than 100 wounded U.S. veterans to date since 2004 to receive a home through the non-profit organization Homes For Our Troops. "He was one of those veterans who is classified by the Veterans Administration as severely wounded and needing a specially adapted home," said Homes For Our Troops President and former Sergeant Major of the Army. The home provides Mr. Granville with specially adapted features like kitchen counters and cupboards that can be reached without getting out of a wheelchair, extra wide rooms throughout the house and even an attached garage. The home comes to Mr. Granville at no cost thanks to donated money and manpower. "When you look at 80 percent of the value of the home being donated, that's a huge contribution and what that does it really represents the community," said Mr. Preston.

One room in Mr. Granville's home features the insignia of the 109th Infantry Regiment in which he served. "I'm very proud of Earl, very proud of his service," said Mr. Preston. For Mr. Granville, it's a home built with patriotic pride, appreciation and respect. "Everyone who was able to volunteer their time up here, I'm very honored and words just can't explain enough how I feel right now," said Mr. Granville.

The Lackawanna Home Builders Association was a driving force behind the $400,000 house that is now Earl Granville's home.

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