Homes for Our Troops to Present Severely Injured Florida Soldier with Keys to New Home

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Dec 13, 2011, 09:00 ET

Building Partner NWC Construction and community of Orlando join in presenting specially adapted home to Army SPC Luis Puertas

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Homes for Our Troops (www.homesforourtroops.org), a national non-profit organization dedicated to building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans, will present keys Saturday, December 17 to Army SPC Luis Puertas. Construction on the home began in September with a three-day Build Brigade during which volunteers finished the home's frame, siding, and roof, and installed windows and doors.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110912/DC65777LOGO)

Specialist Puertas was left a double amputee after following an explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on September 20, 2006, causing injuries so severe both legs required amputation. The new specially adapted home, which goes beyond ADA compliance, features open floor plans, automatic door openers, hard-surfaced floors, roll-in showers, roll-under cooktops, sinks, and more; it will allow him to live with more freedom and independence.

"The Key Ceremony for Luis Puertas is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for all he has sacrificed," said John Gonsalves, Founder and President of Homes for Our Troops. "Homes for Our Troops is proud to join our building partner NWC Construction, and the community of Orlando to welcome this Soldier into his new home. We salute every volunteer for helping to give back freedom and independence to this deserving young man."

Who: SPC Luis Puertas

Full bio available at: http://www.homesforourtroops.org/puertas

John Gonsalves, President and Founder, Homes for Our Troops

What: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Luis Puertas

When: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 11 a.m. - Key presentation followed by home tour

Where: Robert's Island Rd., Orlando, FL 32832

About Homes for Our Troops: Homes for Our Troops is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Taunton, Mass. founded by John Gonsalves in 2004. Homes for Our Troops mission is to build specially adapted homes for service members who have been severely injured in combat operations since September 11, 2001. All homes are built at no cost to the veteran through the generous support of individuals, foundations, and corporate contributors. Homes for Our Troops has received a Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

SOURCE Homes for Our Troops