Story Published:
Oct 29, 2008 at 5:43 PM CST
Story Updated:
Oct 30, 2008 at 3:31 PM CST
BRANSON, Mo. -- Welcoming a soldier home from war can be a trying time of transition. But coming home severely wounded can pose a new set of challenges. That’s why an agency here is building a local soldier's home around him.
Branson native and Army Spc. Scott West served in Iraq from December 2004 until Jan. 16, 2005. On that day, he was driving a Humvee when he spotted an explosive in the road that he couldn't avoid.
He swerved and took the brunt of the blast, scarring him and causing the loss of both legs below the knees. He now uses prosthetics but he's returned to a home less accessible.
Missouri Credit Unions in partnership with the group called Homes for our Troops said Wednesday that they'll build West a brand new home, in Branson, that’s fit to his needs.
"I feel like, when I get the house, I'm going to be able to live there for 10-15 years. This would be adaptable to me,” said West.
"It's really special when it's one of our own boys who sacrificed,” said Branson Mayor Raenne Pressley. “We want him to continue to be a part of our community."
Homes for our Troops says it's working on finding a piece of land and a good contractor for the project. West is engaged, and he calls this a fresh start for his new family.
